A series which demystifies the devices used in cryptic crosswords. This time: the ecclesiastical abbreviations of the C of E
From Afrit (Prebendary of Wells Cathedral) to Araucaria (former rector of Houghton and Wyton), the Anglican clergy is not underrepresented in the world of crossword setting.
Cryptics might have shaken off their establishment trappings over the past eight decades, but the exegetical skills of the curate still lend themselves to wordplay.
1ac Bearer of wine giving a service in church (6)
[A + abbrev. for one of the services, inside abbrev. for “church”]
[A+RAF, inside CE]
4ac Desert traveller books into legendary English town (7)
[means of transport in desert + abbrev. for Old Testament]
[CAMEL + OT]
16ac Reckless devil’s dirty books (9)
[word for “devil” + word for “rude” + abbrev. for New Testament]
[IMP + RUDE + NT]
16d Clergyman having fool in church is in a deep hole (8)
[abbrev. for a clergyman + word for “ass”, in abbrev. for church]
[REV + ASS, in CE]
5d Bishop holds one captivated by “Primate With Sword” (6)
[abbrev. for a bishop, surrounding word for “one” inside a primate]
[RR, surrounding I inside APE]
14d Writer opposed, with love, to see rising (5,5)
[word for “opposed” + synonym for “and” + value of “love” in tennis, then a diocese spelled backwards]
[CON + AND + O + reversal of ELY]