More like a nobleman, apparently, of a previous time (7)

I believe the answer is:

earlier

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'more like a nobleman apparently' is the first definition.
(more like an earl)

'of a previous time' is the second definition.
(of an earlier time)

(Other definitions for earlier that I've seen before include "Rare lie (anag)" , "Formerly" , "At a previous time" , "Nearer the beginning" , "of a bygone age?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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