The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word KETCHES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
K
E
T
C
H
E
S
Buddy explains!

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 KETCHES mean?
KETCHES noun- A fore-and-aft rigged sailing vessel with two masts, main and mizzen, the mizzen being stepped forward of the rudder post.
- A hangman.