Observed to be leopard-like (7)

I believe the answer is:

spotted

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'observed' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for spotted that I've seen before include "Espied" , "Observed" , "Saw, caught sight of" , "Dappled - saw" , "As Dick may be" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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