Examine all entries to determine the most lofty (7)

I believe the answer is:

tallest

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'the most lofty' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for tallest that I've seen before include "Highest in stature" , "Of greatest height" , "most unlikely" , "Sell tat (anag.)" , "Of greatest vertical extent" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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