The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word CLOTH
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
L
O
T
H
More clues leading to the result CLOTH
- Idiot given hard material
- Fool picks up insult implying inability to do so?
- Metonym for clergy, group in church
- Idiot husband in Paisley?
- God clergy ultimately found in part of scripture
- The clergy‘s destiny lies in the church
- Idiot on heroin in clergy
- Stuff in chapter about destiny
- Clergy indisposed to follow their leader
- Many against the clergy
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "The clergy" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case the clergy = cloth.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 CLOTH mean?
CLOTH noun- A woven fabric such as used in dressing, decorating, cleaning or other practical use.
- Specifically, a tablecloth, especially as spread before a meal or removed afterwards.
- A piece of cloth used for a particular purpose.
- (metaphoric) Substance or essence; the whole of something complex.
- (metaphoric) Appearance; seeming.
- A form of attire that represents a particular profession or status.
- (in idioms) Priesthood, clergy.