I Am Obviously Having A Thick Moment: Please Will Someone Explain 6 Down In Sunday Times 4617. A. Is Evangelic. Clue Is Army Leaders Stopping For One Priest - Catholic Or Sort Of Protestant

[stonesub]

army leaders stopping for one priest - catholic or sort of protestant

[BlackadderV]

Van(guard) inside e g(for one, for example) Eli (0ld priest) C (catholic)

[dannyk13]

van(army leaders) in eg + eli(priest) + c(catholic)

[stonesub]

Many thanks. My excuse is I just got locked into thinking he meant first two letters, as I said a thick moment. Thanks very much. Sean

[KeepItSharp]

Is C really a usual abbreviation for Catholic? Or is it a given that solvers can use just the first letter of a word in a clue in the solution?

[dannyk13]

Quite often initial letters are used in clues - c(Catholic)- n(Knight) c(About) Etc

[BlackadderV]

From Chambers:

C (abbr) Catholic, amongst other definitions.

[KeepItSharp]

If it is an abbreviation that is listed in one of the commonly used dictionaries or the clue hints that only the first letter is required I don't mind. Otherwise I feel that it is lazy or poor clue setting and the solution seems unsatisfactory. Perhaps I just need to add this device to the 'unwritten rules'.

[KeepItSharp]

If C for catholic is in Chambers then I take it all back. However, I cannot find it in my copy (20th Century) or in the on-line version. Which version are you using?

[BlackadderV]

2003. Second entry under C or C.

[KeepItSharp]

Thanks BlackAdderV, I'll have to order a newer copy.

[BlackadderV]

Me too, as the hardboards have fallen off mine due to extensive use and I am left with just the innards.