The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CHURCHES
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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More clues leading to the result CHURCHES
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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 CHURCHES mean?
CHURCHES noun- A Christian house of worship; a building where Christian religious services take place.
- Christians collectively seen as a single spiritual community; Christianity.
- A local group of people who follow the same Christian religious beliefs, local or general.
- A particular denomination of Christianity.
- (as bare noun) Christian worship held at a church; service.
- Organized religion in general or a specific religion considered as a political institution.
- Any religious group.
- Assembly.
- To conduct a religious service for (a woman after childbirth, or a newly married couple).
- To educate someone religiously, as in in a church.