The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word BLESS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
B
L
E
S
S
More clues leading to the result BLESS
- Bishop with fewer to consecrate
- Bishop not so much set aside for holy purpose?
- Extol Labour leader feeding black horse?
- Bishop having not as much to ask God’s favour for
- Praise book to a smaller extent
- Bishop withdrawing praise
- Be grateful for B minus
- Lay hands on constable’s sausage sandwiches
- Approve ironic word of affection
- Be thankful for being born younger
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "praise" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case praise = bless.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 BLESS mean?
BLESS verb- To make something holy by religious rite, sanctify.
- To make the sign of the cross upon, so as to sanctify.
- To invoke divine favor upon.
- To honor as holy, glorify; to extol for excellence.
- To esteem or account happy; to felicitate.
- To wave; to brandish.
- (past tense only blessed) To turn (a reference) into an object.
- (with from) To secure, defend, or prevent from.
- Used as an expression of endearment, gratitude, or (ironically) belittlement.