The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word RUDIMENTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
U
D
I
M
E
N
T
S
More clues leading to the result RUDIMENTS
- Beginnings of weak energy seen in puniest creatures
- Setter’s into dirty books to get first of six basic principles
- ABC or D Terminus? There’s confusion here
- Basic principles of game obscure — sent off!
- First principles of game hazy — sent off!
- First principles allowing inferior little types to pocket money
- Fresh mindset supporting game’s first principles
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Basic principles" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case basic principles = rudiments.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 RUDIMENTS mean?
RUDIMENTS noun- (often in the plural) A fundamental principle or skill, especially in a field of learning.
- (often in the plural) Something in an undeveloped form.
- A body part that no longer has a function
- In percussion, one of a selection of basic drum patterns learned as an exercise.