Finest among the literati (5)

I believe the answer is:

elite

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'finest' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'among the literati' is the wordplay.
'among' indicates a hidden word.
'ELITE' can be found hidden inside 'the literati'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elite that I've seen before include "one of the letter sizes" , "Select part" , "Privileged or posh group" , "Type size; superior group" , "High society" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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