Church official of greater seniority (5)

I believe the answer is:

elder

I believe this is a double definition.

'church official' is the first definition.
(as in church elders)

'of greater seniority' is the second definition.
(elder means older or more senior)

(Other definitions for elder that I've seen before include "Tree - wise counsellor" , "Shrub - church official" , "Shrub with white flowers and berrylike fruit" , "Senior tribal figure" , "Senior - presbyter" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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