The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ESCHEAT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
S
C
H
E
A
T
More clues leading to the result ESCHEAT
- Property returned in the case getting knocked about
- Key stage before final reversion of property
- English school: worry it could become government property
- Teaches about property reverting to the Crown
- Renew the case for old reversion of property
- Teaches about the problem with not writing a will
- Confiscate drugswith passion
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Confiscate" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case confiscate = escheat.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 ESCHEAT mean?
ESCHEAT noun- The return of property of a deceased person to the state (originally to a feudal lord) where there are no legal heirs or claimants.
- The property so reverted.
- Plunder, booty.
- That which falls to one; a reversion or return.
- To put (land, property) in escheat; to confiscate.
- To revert to a state or lord because its previous owner died without an heir.