The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word CHIEFS
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More clues leading to the result CHIEFS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "the rulers" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case the rulers = chiefs.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 CHIEFS mean?
CHIEFS noun- A leader or head of a group of people, organisation, etc.
- The top part of a shield or escutcheon; more specifically, an ordinary consisting of the upper part of the field cut off by a horizontal line, generally occupying the top third.
- The principal part or top of anything.
- An informal term of address, sometimes ironic.
- To smoke cannabis.