The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word RATES
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
R
A
T
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S
More clues leading to the result RATES
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "double defn." is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case double defn. = rates.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 RATES mean?
RATES noun- The worth of something; value.
- The proportional relationship between one amount, value etc. and another.
- Speed.
- The relative speed of change or progress.
- The price of (an individual) thing; cost.
- A set price or charge for all examples of a given case, commodity, service etc.
- A wage calculated in relation to a unit of time.
- Any of various taxes, especially those levied by a local authority.
- A class into which ships were assigned based on condition, size etc.; by extension, rank.
- Established portion or measure; fixed allowance; ration.
- Order; arrangement.
- Ratification; approval.
- The gain or loss of a timepiece in a unit of time.
- To assign or be assigned a particular rank or level.
- To evaluate or estimate the value of.
- To consider or regard.
- To deserve; to be worth.
- To determine the limits of safe functioning for a machine or electrical device.
- To evaluate a property's value for the purposes of local taxation.
- To like; to think highly of.
- To have position (in a certain class).
- To have value or standing.
- To ratify.
- To ascertain the exact rate of the gain or loss of (a chronometer) as compared with true time.
- To berate, scold.
- (British, New Zealand, or Australian) Taxes, usually on property, levied by local government.