Crossword Genius

Unexpectedly see pretty old printing plate (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stereotype

'printing plate' is the definition.

'unexpectedly see pretty old' is the wordplay.
'unexpectedly' indicates anagramming the letters.
'old' becomes 'o' (common abbreviation eg in OE for Old English).
'see'+'pretty'+'o'='seeprettyo'
'seeprettyo' is an anagram of 'STEREOTYPE'.

(Other definitions for stereotype that I've seen before include "received idea?" , "Set form" , "Spring back (in fear)" , "Fixed conventionalised image" , "cast" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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