Crossword Genius

Monastery residents without sin? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

novices

'monastery residents' is the definition.
(as in novice monks)

'without sin?' is the wordplay.
'without' becomes 'no'.
'sin?' becomes 'vices' (vices are sinful).
'no'+'vices'='NOVICES'

(Other definitions for novices that I've seen before include "Beginners; nuns" , "Neophytes" , "starters?" , "Converts" , "Beginners, who have not sinned?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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