The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word EARLS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
E
A
R
L
S
More clues leading to the result EARLS
- Touring centre of Chelsea, Cockney picks up posh types
- Peers in Court?
- In 1607 they fled opposing sides in stormy sea
- Precious items not given introduction but they have titles
- Noblemen going to court in London?
- Features about fifty members of the House of Lords
- Listeners including 50 noblemen
- Lords offering bits of wisdom, but not quietly
- Peers around rough entrances crossed by golfer
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EARLS mean?
EARLS noun- (nobility) A British or Irish nobleman next in rank above a viscount and below a marquess; equivalent to a European count. A female using the style is termed a countess.
- Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Tanaecia. Other butterflies in this genus are called counts and viscounts.