The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SUCCOURED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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More clues leading to the result SUCCOURED
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Comforted/Comforted" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case comforted/comforted = succoured.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 SUCCOURED mean?
SUCCOURED verb- To give aid, assistance, or help.
- To provide aid or assistance in the form of military equipment and soldiers; in particular, for helping a place under siege.
- (obsolete except dialectal) To protect, to shelter; to provide a refuge.