Crossword Genius

Desperate character kidnapping English churchman (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dean

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

'churchman' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'desperate character kidnapping english' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'character' could be 'n' and 'n' is found in the answer.
'english' could be 'e' (abbreviation) and 'e' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'da' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dean that I've seen before include "Churchman" , "Church or college dignitary" , "Glos. forest; Dixie ---, Everton hero" , "Administrator of a university department" , "James ..., film star famous for his moody rebellious roles" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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