Crossword Genius

Notable English pit not emptied (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

eminent

'notable' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'english pit not emptied' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'e' (abbreviation).
'pit' becomes 'mine' (mining pit).
'emptied' means to remove the middle letters.
'not' with its centre removed is 'nt'.
'e'+'mine'+'nt'='EMINENT'

(Other definitions for eminent that I've seen before include "High" , "Distinguished and admired" , "Illustrious like cardinal?" , "Respected; notable" , "Met nine who were distinguished" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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