guardian 24088

[lucas611]

Novice gets priest at end of service-to moderate. 9

I know this is alleviate (to moderate) but could someone enlighten me as to how the first part of the clue, (novice gets priest at end of service,) is supposed to work.

Thanks

[netkey]

novice = al - a learner
levi = priest
at + e which is the last letter of service

[sarumite]

Not quite certain but could be..

novice .. al (a learner) + levite (priest), but still missing "a"?

[sarumite]

That's better netkey !

[Aquagility]

I think this is:
a l = a novice
levi = priest
at = at
e = end of service.