Small class about bone seen as an expression of esteem (7)
I believe the answer is:
tribute
'an expression of esteem' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'small class about bone' is the wordplay.
'small class' becomes 'tute' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'bone' becomes 'rib' (rib is a type of bone).
'tute' enclosing 'rib' is 'TRIBUTE'.
'seen as' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tribute that I've seen before include "Accolade" , "Gesture showing respect or admiration" , "Commendation; homage" , "fine words" , "Admiring statement" .)