Crossword Genius

Youngster I start to lecture? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pupil

'youngster i start to lecture?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'youngster i start to lecture?' is the wordplay.
'youngster' becomes 'pup' (I've seen this before).
'start to' indicates taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'lecture' is 'l'.
'pup'+'i'+'l'='PUPIL'

(Other definitions for pupil that I've seen before include "The sort of student" , "Eye hole" , "one may see through!" , "Learner in the eye?" , "part of my anatomy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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