Crossword Genius

Gangster and cleric outside pub — The Star (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aldebaran

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

'star' is the definition.
(Aldebaran is an example)

'gangster and cleric outside pub' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'gangster' could be 'al' (Al Capone) and 'al' is found in the answer.
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is located in the answer.
'pub' could be 'bar' (both are drinking establishments) and 'bar' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'dea' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aldebaran that I've seen before include "Dear Laban (anag) - star in Taurus" , "Highlight" , "big star" , "Taurus's leading star" , "Red giant in Taurus" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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