It secures the door while many are at church (5)

I believe the answer is:

latch

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'it secures the door while' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'many are at church' is the wordplay.
'many' becomes 'l' ().
'church' becomes 'ch' (common abbreviation).
'l'+'at'+'ch'='LATCH'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for latch that I've seen before include "Device for opening door" , "retainer" , "Door securer" , "Gate bar" , "Something to secure" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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