Crossword Genius

Previous clergyman (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prior

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This could be a double definition.

'previous' is the first definition.
(prior means previous or earlier)

'clergyman' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prior that I've seen before include "English poet" , "figure of authority in retreat" , "Certainly not succeeding" , "Deputy head of an abbey" , "Former - monk" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
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