Crossword Genius

1 of a prophet, cardinal, soldier and artist (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hegira

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'1 of a prophet' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'cardinal soldier and artist' is the wordplay.
'cardinal' becomes 'he' (I've seen this in other clues).
'soldier' becomes 'GI' (term for US soldier).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'artist' becomes 'RA' (Royal Academician, member of Royal Academy of Arts).
'he'+'gi'+'ra'='HEGIRA'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hegira that I've seen before include "famous flight" , "Flight to safety" , "The flight of Muhammad from Mecca in AD 622, from which Muslim era is measured" , "departure" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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