The early abbey executive (5)

I believe the answer is:

prior

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

'the early' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for prior that I've seen before include "Previous; abbot's deputy" , "More pressing" , "Former - churchman" , "Former - head of religious house" , "Former - chief of religious house" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app