Not so much to consecrate in bishop’s absence (4)
I believe the answer is:
less
'not so much' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for less that I've seen before include "minor" , "Smaller in amout or degree" , "Fewer; minus" , "Comparatively little" , "Minus; not so much" .)