Crossword Genius

Haughty and irreverent around ruler (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

imperious

'haughty' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'irreverent around ruler' is the wordplay.
'irreverent' becomes 'impious' ('impious' can be similar in meaning to 'irreverent').
'around' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'ruler' becomes 'er' (abbreviation for Elizabeth Regina).
'impious' going around 'er' is 'IMPERIOUS'.

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for imperious that I've seen before include "Haughty - domineering" , "high-handed" , "Arrogant, domineering" , "Bossy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.