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Drastic cut in the monastic establishment (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tonsure

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This clue might be a double definition.

'drastic cut' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'monastic establishment' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'in the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tonsure that I've seen before include "Monastic haircut" , "Result of shaving" , "Monk's bald spot" , "bare patch" , "Monk's haircut" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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