Crossword Genius

Order member to push back first, apparently (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

marist

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'order member' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'push back first apparently' is the wordplay.
'push' becomes 'ram'.
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'first apparently' becomes 'ist' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ram' written backwards gives 'mar'.
'mar'+'ist'='MARIST'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for marist that I've seen is " Roman Catholic".)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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