Crossword Genius

Distinguished academic: one in four progresses improperly (6,9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

regius professor

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

But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for regius professor that I've seen before include "Lecturer" , "prestigious chairman?" , "leading academic" , "Senior academic" , "Distinguished academic" .)

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app