In this order, abbot takes precedence over bishop and cardinal (12)

I believe the answer is:

alphabetical

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'in' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for alphabetical that I've seen before include "Ordered A to Z" , "One sort of order" , "Arranged in order from A to Z" , "One kind of order" , "Related to 26 characters" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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