Crossword Genius

King, say, shielded by company of people, like those in services (14)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

congregational

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

'like those in services' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'king say shielded by company of people' is the wordplay.
'king say' becomes 'greg' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'shielded by' means one lot of letters goes inside another (I've seen this in other clues).
'company' becomes 'co' (abbreviation).
'of people' becomes 'national' (I've seen this before).
'co'+'national'='conational'
'greg' placed inside 'conational' is 'CONGREGATIONAL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for congregational that I've seen is " Description of flock".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app