The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 13 letter word CONGREGATIONS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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More clues leading to the result CONGREGATIONS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Folds" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case folds = congregations.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 CONGREGATIONS mean?
CONGREGATIONS noun- The act of congregating or collecting together.
- A gathering of faithful in a temple, church, synagogue, mosque or other place of worship. It can also refer to the people who are present at a devotional service in the building, particularly in contrast to the pastor, minister, imam, rabbi etc. and/or choir, who may be seated apart from the general congregation or lead the service (notably in responsory form).
- A Roman Congregation, a main department of the Vatican administration of the Catholic Church.
- A corporate body whose members gather for worship, or the members of such a body.
- Any large gathering of people.
- A group of eagles.
- (Oxford University) The main body of university staff, comprising academics, administrative staff, heads of colleges, etc.