Crossword Genius

Was he just a monk before? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prior

'before?' is the definition.
('prior' can be a synonym of 'before')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for prior that I've seen before include "Existing earlier" , "Abbott's deputy being earlier?" , "Foregoing - cleric" , "head of a house of friars" , "head of a religious community" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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