The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word GRIZZLED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
G
R
I
Z
Z
L
E
D
Buddy explains!
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 GRIZZLED mean?
GRIZZLED verb- To make or become grey, as with age.
- To cry continuously but not very loudly - especially of a young child.
- To whinge or whine.
- To fuss or cry
- Greyed, old
- Grey or partly grey
- Streaked or mixed with grey; grizzly; griseous