Crossword Genius

Peer coming ahead of time stopped prematurely (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earl

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'peer' is the definition.
(I know that earl is a type of peer)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earl that I've seen before include "Lear (anag)" , "One who's been elevated" , "A lord like Lear" , "Real kind of English lord" , "Essex, say" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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