The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ENCOUNTER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
N
C
O
U
N
T
E
R
More clues leading to the result ENCOUNTER
- Opposing bridge players resist meeting
- Meet first couple of entertainers by bar
- Leaderless troops oppose battle
- After short space nobleman and monarch meet
- Come across military officer uniform within lodge
- Meet in French bar
- Go in to welcome Conservative hosting union meeting
- Meet knight in English bar
- Chance upon confrontation
- Meeting in French bar
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "meet" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case meet = encounter.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 ENCOUNTER mean?
ENCOUNTER noun- A meeting, especially one that is unplanned or unexpected.
- A hostile, often violent meeting; a confrontation, skirmish, or clash, as between combatants.
- A match between two opposing sides.
- To meet (someone) or find (something), especially unexpectedly.
- To confront (someone or something) face to face.
- To engage in conflict, as with an enemy.