The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word OBLATES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
O
B
L
A
T
E
S
Buddy explains!
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does OBLATES mean?
OBLATES noun- A person dedicated to a life of religion or monasticism, especially a member of an order without religious vows or a lay member of a religious community.
- A child given up by its parents into the keeping or dedication of a religious order or house.
- To offer as either a gift or an oblation.