Crossword Genius

Lost in wild reeds out of the forest (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elders

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

'lost in wild reeds out of the forest' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'lost in wild reeds out' is the wordplay.
'lost' becomes 'l' (this could be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'in wild' indicates an anagram (I've seen this in other clues).
'out' is an insertion indicator.
'reeds' anagrammed gives 'eders'.
'l' going into 'eders' is 'ELDERS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elders that I've seen before include "Sage" , "Older trees?" , "Senior members of tribe" , "Church officers and small trees" , "plants?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times (Crosaire) and the Irish Times.
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