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What one starting to take orders goes through (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

novitiate

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'one starting to take orders goes through' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for novitiate that I've seen before include "New church member" , "New convert" , "Period in religious life before final vows are taken" , "newcomer in convent" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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