Crossword Genius

Wise man of people degrading leader (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rishi

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'wise man' is the definition.
(I know that Rishi is a type of sage)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rishi that I've seen before include "Spiritual leader" , "Poet" , "Revered man" , "holy man" , "Hindu sage or saint" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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