Crossword Genius

Decorative pattern in salver describing church minister's end (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tracery

'decorative pattern' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'salver describing church minister's end' is the wordplay.
'salver' becomes 'tray' (I've seen this before).
'describing' is an insertion indicator (describe can mean to form the outline of).
'church' becomes 'CE' (abbreviation for Church of England).
'end' suggests the final letters.
The last letter of 'minister' is 'r'.
'ce'+'r'='cer'
'tray' enclosing 'cer' is 'TRACERY'.

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for tracery that I've seen before include "Fine open stonework" , "Honks; Florence Dombey admirer (Dickens)" , "Thin ribs of e.g. Gothic window" , "Stone work in Gothic windows" , "An open pattern of interlacing ribs" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.