Crossword Genius

Church dignitaries and clergy members renouncing company (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deans

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

'church dignitaries' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for deans that I've seen is " chief judges".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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