Direction received from dreary pastor at centre (4)

I believe the answer is:

east

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'direction' is the definition.
(compass direction)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for east that I've seen before include "Airport near Derby" , "Tom's friend" , "One of four at table" , "Sunrise direction" , "Bearing of ninety degrees" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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