Crossword Genius

Previous leader in monastery (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prior

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

This could be a double definition.

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

'leader in monastery' is the second definition.
'prior' can be an answer for 'leader' (I have seen 'Religious leader' mean 'prior' so perhaps 'leader' could also mean 'prior'). I am unsure of the 'in monastery' bit.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prior that I've seen before include "head of a religious community" , "Former - churchman" , "Former - chief of religious house" , "Existing beforehand" , "Pre-existing, religious head" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Sun.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app