Rank, in a way (4)
I believe the answer is:
seed
'rank in a way' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for seed that I've seen before include "Germ; top player" , "High-rated tennis player" , "Tennis player; germ" , "one of the top players" , "Court favourite" .)