Crossword Genius

Taking care of boy in a church is an honour (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

accolade

'an honour' is the definition.
('accolade' can be a synonym of 'honour')

'taking care of boy in a church' is the wordplay.
'taking' indicates putting letters inside.
'care of' becomes 'co' (c/o can mean 'care of' when addressing mail).
'boy' becomes 'lad' (informal term for boy).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'church' becomes 'CE' (Church of England).
'a'+'ce'='ace'
'lad' going within 'ace' is 'aclade'.
'co' going into 'aclade' is 'ACCOLADE'.

'is' is the link.

(Other definitions for accolade that I've seen before include "Sign or expression of great praise or approval" , "Special honour as an acknowledgment of merit" , "Praise, as in conferring knighthood" , "Praise or approval - or elevation to knighthood" , "Ceremonial tap of sword on shoulder when conferring knighthood" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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