Rise attributable to cardinal (8)

I believe the answer is:

eminence

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

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for eminence that I've seen before include "State of distinction, like cardinal" , "Position of higher distinction" , "A Cardinal's title" , "Distinction - high ground" , "famous person" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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