Pointer regularly indicating early afternoon? (3)
I believe the answer is:
one
'early afternoon?' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'pointer regularly' is the wordplay.
'regularly' indicates alternate letters (regularly take one letter, leave next etc.).
The alternate letters of 'pointer' are 'ONE'.
'indicating' is the link.
(Other definitions for one that I've seen before include "both halves" , "Sole; identical" , "Sole; number" , "Smallest whole number" , "Single, sole" .)