Crossword Genius

Pantheist stirred at an earlier time (2,3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in the past

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

'an earlier time' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'pantheist stirred' is the wordplay.
'stirred' is an anagram indicator.
'pantheist' is an anagram of 'IN THE PAST'.

'at' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for in the past that I've seen is " unorthodox once".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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