Many a strange rite associated with bishops (5)
I believe the answer is:
mitre
'many a strange rite associated with bishops' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'many a strange rite associated with' is the wordplay.
'many' becomes 'm' (Roman numeral for a thousand).
'a strange' indicates an anagram.
'associated with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'rite' with letters rearranged gives 'itre'.
'm'+'itre'='MITRE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for mitre that I've seen before include "Corner joint - bishop's headdress" , "that goes over a cleric's head?" , "See boss gear up" , "Remit (anag.)" , "top?" .)