The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word FOXHOLES
F
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "dugouts" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case dugouts = foxholes.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 FOXHOLES mean?
FOXHOLES noun- The burrow in the ground where a fox lives.
- A small pit dug into the ground as a shelter for protection against enemy fire.
- To dig a military foxhole into, or convert into a foxhole by digging.
- To drive into a military foxhole.