Crossword Genius

Top cleric's scripture class fills course (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prelate

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'top cleric's' is the definition.
'prelate' can be an answer for 'cleric's' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'top' bit.

'scripture class fills course' is the wordplay.
'scripture class' becomes 'RE' (abbreviation for Religious Education).
'fills' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'course' becomes 'plate' (plate is a kind of course).
're' inserted inside 'plate' is 'PRELATE'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prelate that I've seen before include "Bishop or other ecclesiastical dignitary" , "Pleater (anag.)" , "Cleric" , "Church high-ranker" , "Senior member of the clergy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app