Initial circuit, then start meal (5,6)

I believe the answer is:

first course

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'initial circuit' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I cannot tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'start meal' is the wordplay.
'start' becomes 'first' (synonyms).
'meal' becomes 'course' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'first'+'course'='FIRST COURSE'

'then' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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