Joined by the sailor - or the parson (7)

I believe the answer is:

spliced

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'joined' is the definition.
(splicing is a kind of joining)

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

(Other definitions for spliced that I've seen before include "get married" , "Wed" , "Joined two ends of rope together by weaving" , "Like a cricket bat" , "in a match" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app