Crossword Genius

High-ranking official (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mandarin

'high-ranking official' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

This is the entire clue.

(Other definitions for mandarin that I've seen before include "Important government official" , "Chinese language; fruit" , "Bigwig" , "Tongue" , "Many millions speak of this" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard and The Times.
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