Convictions of vicar in religious clothing (8)

I believe the answer is:

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

'convictions' is the definition.
(I have seen 'earlier convictions' mean 'previous' so perhaps 'convictions' could also mean 'previous')

'vicar in religious clothing' is the wordplay.
'vicar' becomes 'rev' (reverend).
'in religious' becomes 'pious' (similar in meaning. I am not sure about the 'in' bit.).
'clothing' indicates putting letters inside (some letters cover up or clothe others).
'rev' going within 'pious' is 'PREVIOUS'.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for previous that I've seen before include "form" , "Overly hasty in acting or in drawing a conclusion" , "Overhasty; existing earlier" , "Earlier, occasion say" , "earlier convictions" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.