Crossword Genius

Cecil Rhodes initially trained to be a priest (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cleric

'a priest' is the definition.
(both can mean a clergyman)

'cecil rhodes initially trained' is the wordplay.
'initially' indicates taking the first letters.
'trained' is an anagram indicator (to train can mean to grow something into a shape).
The initial letter of 'rhodes' is 'r'.
'cecil'+'r'='cecilr'
'cecilr' anagrammed gives 'CLERIC'.

'to be' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for cleric that I've seen before include "Type of cloth, perhaps" , "Churchman" , "One ordained" , "Religious official" , "One in holy orders" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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