The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word OLD-TIMER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
O
L
D
-
T
I
M
E
R
More clues leading to the result OLD-TIMER
- Experienced person — former athletics official?
- Grandfather clock? One that’s long been in service
- 5 12, perhaps
- Merlot I’d decanted into Methuselah?
- . Veteran using former rank to accumulate millions
- Turn female away — bank needs to employ male veteran
- Veteran told to remove cap, rejects orders
- Veteran's ancient watch
- Veteran’s grandfather clock
- Dire lot troubled about money for long-serving type
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "5" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case 5 = old-timer.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does OLD-TIMER mean?
OLD-TIMER noun- One who has been around for a long time or has a great deal of experience; a veteran.