Crossword Genius

Queen Street, at an earlier time (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

erst

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'an earlier time' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'queen street' is the wordplay.
'queen' becomes 'ER' (abbreviation for Elizabeth Regina).
'street' becomes 'st' (abbreviation).
'er'+'st'='ERST'

'at' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for erst that I've seen before include "Rest turned formerly" , "At first; formerly" , "in former times" , "in the past" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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