Clapping, though one priest leaves, and giving praise (7)

'clapping' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being present participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'one priest leaves and giving praise' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'one' could be 'i' (Roman numeral) and 'i' is present in the answer.
'and' could be 'n' (common abbreviation for 'and') and 'n' is located in the answer.
'praise' could be 'laud' (lauding is a kind of praising) and 'laud' is present in the answer.
A single letter 'g' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'though' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?