Could it be hailed as first in rank? (3)
I believe the answer is:
cab
'first in rank?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cab that I've seen before include "Organisation to collect money made from crime" , "Hackney" , "It has the authority to confiscate the proceeds of crime, in short" , "A taxi in America" , "A taxi in New York" .)