A simpleton raised head in distance (9)
I believe the answer is:
aloofness
'distance' is the definition.
('aloofness' can be a synonym of 'distance')
'a simpleton raised head in' is the wordplay.
'simpleton' becomes 'fool' (fool is a kind of simpleton).
'raised' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'head in' becomes 'ness' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'fool' in reverse letter order is 'loof'.
'a'+'loof'+'ness'='ALOOFNESS'
(Other definitions for aloofness that I've seen before include "Indifference, reserve" , "Detachment" , "Indifference by personal withdrawal" , "Standoffish air" , "Cool and distant manner" .)