The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word CLOUTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
C
L
O
U
T
S
More clues leading to the result CLOUTS
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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 CLOUTS mean?
CLOUTS noun- Influence or effectiveness, especially political.
- A blow with the hand.
- A home run.
- The center of the butt at which archers shoot; probably once a piece of white cloth or a nail head.
- A swaddling cloth.
- A cloth; a piece of cloth or leather; a patch; a rag.
- An iron plate on an axletree or other wood to keep it from wearing; a washer.
- A piece; a fragment.