Presumably they had good reasons for being late (7)

I believe the answer is:

martyrs

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

If this is the answer I cannot explain how the clue works.

(Other definitions for martyrs that I've seen before include "Those dying for their belief" , "They suffer for a principle" , "people who suffer" , "Persons suffering for their beliefs" , "People who die for their cause" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app