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Ecclesiastic figure (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cardinal

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This might be a double definition.

'ecclesiastic' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'figure' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for cardinal that I've seen before include "High-ranking official of the Roman Catholic church" , "Primary - colour" , "Essential - churchman - songbird" , "of prime importance" , "Word to describe one or two" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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