Time lost to abacus at last in turning beads (6)

I believe the answer is:

rosary

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'beads' is the definition.
(rosary is a kind of beads)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for rosary that I've seen before include "RC beads" , "Chaplet" , "believer can count on it" , "Prayer aid" , "Flower garden" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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