Crossword Genius

Herbert trained new monks (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brethren

'monks' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'herbert trained new' is the wordplay.
'trained' indicates anagramming the letters (to train can mean to grow something into a shape).
'new' becomes 'n' (common abbreviation eg NT for New Testament).
'herbert' with letters rearranged gives 'brethre'.
'brethre'+'n'='BRETHREN'

(Other definitions for brethren that I've seen before include "Kindred" , "Siblings (archaic)" , "old relatives?" , "Biblical or other old brothers" , "Fellow members of a sect" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app