Sanctum or circle preceder (5)
I believe the answer is:
inner
'sanctum or circle preceder' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for inner that I've seen before include "Esoteric" , "This sort of man will be satisfied!" , "Concealed" , "Located inside" , "Nearer the middle" .)