The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word COOPER
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
O
O
P
E
R
More clues leading to the result COOPER
- Barrel-maker in company work, retro, off and on
- Manager retains old craftsman
- Noisy pigeon set about quiet old Hollywood actor
- Murmur softly by artisan
- Mixture of strong beers packed quite a punch
- One managing to keep ring made by old-fashioned craftsman
- Policeman shows love for a quiet artisan
- Funny Tommy who rolled out the barrel?
- One who is able to grasp nothing becomes barrel maker
- Firm seized goods on HP, over a barrel? I’ll make it
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Barrel-maker" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case barrel-maker = cooper.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 COOPER mean?
COOPER noun- A craftsman who makes and repairs barrels and similar wooden vessels such as casks, buckets and tubs.
- A drink of half stout and half porter.
- To make and repair barrels etc.
- A floating grog shop supplying the North Sea fishing industry.