The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PATRICIAN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
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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.
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What does PATRICIAN mean?
PATRICIAN noun- (antiquity) A member of any of the families constituting the populus Romanus, or body of Roman citizens, before the development of the plebeian order; later, one who, by right of birth or by special privilege conferred, belonged to the senior class of Romans, who, with certain property, had by right a seat in the Roman Senate.
- A person of high birth; a nobleman.
- One familiar with the works of the Christian Fathers; one versed in patristic lore or life.
- Of or pertaining to the Roman patres ("fathers") or senators, or patricians.
- Of, pertaining to, or appropriate to, a person of high birth; noble; not plebeian.