The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SUCCEEDED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
U
C
C
E
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D
More clues leading to the result SUCCEEDED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Came first/came after" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case came first/came after = succeeded.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.
Crossword Answer definitions
SUCCEEDED verb- To follow in order; to come next after; hence, to take the place of.
- To obtain the object desired; to accomplish what is attempted or intended; to have a prosperous issue or termination; to be successful.
- To fall heir to; to inherit.
- To come after; to be subsequent or consequent to; to follow; to pursue.
- To support; to prosper; to promote.
- To come in the place of another person, thing, or event; to come next in the usual, natural, or prescribed course of things; to follow; hence, to come next in the possession of anything; -- often with to.
- To descend, as an estate or an heirloom, in the same family; to devolve.
- To go under cover.