Scribes gathered they might be the last (5)
I believe the answer is:
rites
'scribes' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rites that I've seen before include "Formal ceremonial procedures" , "Customary observances, religious say" , "Rituals" , "Ceremonial observances" , "formal procedure" .)