An old country seat - although it's hard to sit on! (4)

I believe the answer is:

pile

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'an old country' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pile that I've seen before include "Stake" , "Fortune" , "supporting column" , "A heap or stack" , "Arrange in stacks" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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