Crossword Genius

Was governor of prairie state maybe producing orders? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ranks

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

'was' is the definition.
(ranking is a kind of being)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ranks that I've seen before include "Grades, in armed forces say" , "Classifies" , "Rows (of soldiers)" , "Lines or rows of people or things" , "Positions of seniority" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.