Crossword Genius

No sacred Paganini piece (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pagan

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

'no sacred paganini piece' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'no sacred paganini piece' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'no' could be 'n' (common abbreviation) and 'n' is found in the answer.
'piece' could be 'p' (abbreviation for Pawn) and 'p' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'aga' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pagan that I've seen before include "One who does not acknowledge your god(s)" , "Not conventionally religious" , "Infidel" , "Non-mainstream religious believer" , "Unchristian" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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