Crossword Genius

Catch, having left, at church afterwards (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

latch

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'catch' is the definition.
(I know that latch is a type of catch)

'left at church afterwards' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'church afterwards' becomes 'ch' (common abbreviation. I am not sure about the 'afterwards' bit.).
'l'+'at'+'ch'='LATCH'

'having' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for latch that I've seen before include "Bar to close" , "Something to secure" , "Door fastener" , "Gate fastening" , "Device for opening door" .)

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