Crossword Genius

Vicar welcomed by devout prior (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

previous

'prior' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'vicar welcomed by devout' is the wordplay.
'vicar' becomes 'rev' (short for reverend).
'welcomed by' indicates putting letters inside (letters welcomed inside).
'devout' becomes 'pious' (devoutly religious).
'rev' inserted within 'pious' is 'PREVIOUS'.

(Other definitions for previous that I've seen before include "earlier convictions" , "form" , "Foregoing" , "Earlier, occasion say" , "Earlier, prior" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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