Crossword Genius

Rustic's previous examination (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pastoral

'rustic's' is the definition.
('pastoral' can be a synonym of 'rustic')

'previous examination' is the wordplay.
'previous' becomes 'past' ('past' can be similar in meaning to 'previous').
'examination' becomes 'oral' (oral is a kind of examination).
'past'+'oral'='PASTORAL'

(Other definitions for pastoral that I've seen before include "Relating to country life or personal care" , "Of sheperds, or concerned with spiritual guidance" , "Well-known symphony" , "(Poem) of country life" , "Of shepherds; pupil-welfare (responsibility)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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