Church prepares for battle with magic spells (6)
I believe the answer is:
charms
'magic spells' is the definition.
'charms' can be an answer for 'spells' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'magic' bit.
'church prepares for battle' is the wordplay.
'church' becomes 'ch' (common abbreviation).
'prepares for battle' becomes 'arms' (I've seen this in another clue).
'ch'+'arms'='CHARMS'
'with' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for charms that I've seen before include "Small ornaments worn on chain or bracelet" , "Attracts with bracelet ornaments" , "Beguiles with trinkets" , "Delights" , "Congreve 'Music has ..... to soothe a savage breast'" .)