Drastic cut in the monastic establishment (7)
I believe the answer is:
tonsure
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" .)