Crossword Genius

Sort of time sure to be honourable (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

emeritus

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

'honourable' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?

'sort of time sure' is the wordplay.
'sort of' indicates an anagram.
'time'+'sure'='timesure'
'timesure' anagrammed gives 'EMERITUS'.

'to be' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for emeritus that I've seen before include "Keeping hon. title in retirement" , "Rue items that describe person retired but retaining title" , "Keeping rank, retired" , "Retiring academic" , "Professor honourably retired" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app