Crossword Genius

Attendant always protecting Colonel Lawrence? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

acolyte

'attendant' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'always protecting colonel lawrence?' is the wordplay.
'always' becomes 'ay'.
'protecting' indicates putting letters inside.
'colonel' becomes 'col'.
'lawrence?' becomes 'te' (TE Lawrence, Lawrence of Arabia).
'ay' placed around 'col' is 'acoly'.
'acoly'+'te'='ACOLYTE'

(Other definitions for acolyte that I've seen before include "Priest's assistant at a liturgical service" , "Assistant to a priest" , "Supporter" , "Religious assistant" , "Lace toy (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Times.
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