Cryptic crossword clue
Service is gripping congregation finally after dull start 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MATTINS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
M
A
T
T
I
N
S

Buddy explains!

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 MATTINS mean?

MATTINS noun
  1. Together with lauds, the earliest of the canonical hours; normally at sunrise, but often earlier
  2. Morning prayers

Latest crossword clues with full explanations