The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DARKNESS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
D
A
R
K
N
E
S
S
More clues leading to the result DARKNESS
- Deserted rescue vessel west of promontory poses a mystery
- ’90s glam rock band? Not The Shadows
- Shadow cast by cape on front of decorative chest
- Rescue boat trapped between delta and cape in night-time
- Shade box to block returning Transport Secretary’s inauguration
- Sends criminal to capture vessel that’s seen at night?
- Date on a boat near cape at night
- Gloom of daughter on vessel on Scotland’s deep loch
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Shadows" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case shadows = darkness.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 DARKNESS mean?
DARKNESS noun- The state of being dark; lack of light.
- Gloom.
- The product of being dark.
- The state or quality of reflecting little light, of tending to a blackish or brownish color.
- Evilness, lack of understanding or compassion, reference to death or suffering.