Crossword Genius

Previous cleric (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prior

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This clue might be a double definition.

'previous' is the first definition.
(prior means previous or earlier)

'cleric' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prior that I've seen before include "Previous; deputy abbot" , "Already arranged" , "Deputy head of an abbey" , "boss of Monk?" , "Earlier, coming before another in time" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
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