The judge of an essayist? (5)

I believe the answer is:

trier

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'the judge' is the first definition.
(trier is a kind of judge)

'an essayist?' is the second definition.

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for trier that I've seen before include "Persistent type" , "One has a crack" , "One wouldn't give up" , "Tester, juror" , "Judge, say" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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