Crossword Genius

Early, possibly heartless, seat of learning (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

yale

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

This might be a double definition.

'early possibly heartless seat' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

'learning' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how they can define each other.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for yale that I've seen before include "security device" , "New Haven university" , "US university; lock" , "Educational institution" , "Thief might gain entrance after picking this" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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