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Head is somewhat paternalistic (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pate

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'head' is the definition.
(humorous term for the head)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pate that I've seen before include "Head - cook may make it" , "Head, perhaps bald" , "Tasty meat paste, perhaps foie gras" , "chef's preparation" , "Savoury paste; head" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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