The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word TINCTURES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
T
I
N
C
T
U
R
E
S
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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.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TINCTURES mean?
TINCTURES noun- A pigment or other substance that colours or dyes.
- A tint, or an added colour.
- A colour or metal used in the depiction of a coat of arms.
- An alcoholic extract of plant material, used as a medicine.
- A small alcoholic drink.
- An essential characteristic.
- The finer and more volatile parts of a substance, separated by a solvent; an extract of a part of the substance of a body communicated to the solvent.
- A slight taste superadded to any substance.
- A slight quality added to anything; a tinge.