Half-busy academic returns for religious gathering (5)
I believe the answer is:
synod
'religious gathering' is the definition.
'synod' can be an answer for 'gathering' (synod is a kind of gathering). I'm not sure about the 'religious' bit.
'half-busy academic returns' is the wordplay.
'half' suggests halving the letters.
'academic' becomes 'don' (type of academic - especially at Oxbridge).
'returns' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'don' written backwards gives 'nod'.
'busy' cut in half is 'sy'.
'sy'+'nod'='SYNOD'
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for synod that I've seen before include "Church assembly" , "Ecclesiastical gathering" , "Church council" , "Ecclesiastical assembly" , "council meeting" .)