Crossword Genius

A noble forename (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earl

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

This could be a double definition.

'a noble' is the first definition.
(earl is a kind of noble)

'forename' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earl that I've seen before include "Aristocrat ranking between marquis and viscount" , "British noble" , "Jimmy Carter's middle name" , "-- Grey, PM 1830-34" , "Husband of a countess" .)

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