The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word BEADS
B
E
A
D
S
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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 BEADS mean?
BEADS noun- Prayer, later especially with a rosary.
- Each in a string of small balls making up the rosary or paternoster.
- A small, round object.
- (heading) A ridge, band, or molding.
- Knowledge sufficient to direct one's activities to a purpose.
- A glassy drop of molten flux, as borax or microcosmic salt, used as a solvent and color test for several mineral earths and oxides, as of iron, manganese, etc., before the blowpipe.
- Front sight of a gun.
- To form into a bead.
- To apply beads to.
- To form into a bead.
- To cause beads to form on (something).
- A beaded necklace.