The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MINISTRY
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
M
I
N
I
S
T
R
Y
More clues leading to the result MINISTRY
- The cloth sample on skimpy garments
- Truth, for Blair, was one error I’m about to test
- Short garments — test out the cloth
- Short skirts test the clergy!
- Skirts go in government department
- Preaching rabbi’s heading inside home of the little piggies?
- Office cars to tax
- Small report missing nothing in government department
- Short skirts tempt the clergy!
- Skirts attempt to create government department
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Preaching" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case preaching = ministry.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 MINISTRY mean?
MINISTRY noun- Government department, at the administrative level normally headed by a minister (or equivalent rank, e.g. secretary of state), who holds it as portfolio, especially in a constitutional monarchy, but also as a polity
- The complete body of government ministers (whether or not they are in cabinet) under the leadership of a head of government (such as a prime minister)
- A ministration
- The active practice and education of the minister of a particular religion or faith.
- The clergy of nonapostolic Protestant churches.
- Work of a spiritual or charitable nature.