Historic group of VIPs (5)

I believe the answer is:

witan

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This clue could be a double definition.

'historic group' is the first definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'of vips' is the second definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for witan that I've seen before include "Anglo-Saxon assembly" , "Assembly of old" , "Anglo-Saxon parliament" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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