Commends (7)
'commends' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for praises that I've seen before include "Worships" , "Commends, hails" , "Extols, lauds" .)
(Other definitions for extols that I've seen before include "'Praises, lauds (6)'" , "Sings the praises of" , "Enthusiastically praises" , "Praises highly, lauds" .)