The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word BRUNETTE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
B
R
U
N
E
T
T
E
More clues leading to the result BRUNETTE
- Around theatre season, Baby Jane actor is no blonde
- Dark-haired beast going around trap
- Lady, almost better, going about career
- Dark-haired animal getting outside trap
- Dark lady, Ms Davis, about to direct
- Brown beverage to take home from audition
- Not fair when superior virtually eclipses career
- Brown ale has no tax, reportedly?
- Dark lady, Ms Davis maybe, about to direct
- A dark girl‘s true bent, perhaps
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Dark lady" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case dark lady = brunette.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 BRUNETTE mean?
BRUNETTE noun- A person, especially female, with brown or black hair and, often, dark eyes and darkish or olive skin.
- (of hair, eyes, skin, etc.) of a dark color or tone.
- (of a person) having brown or black hair and, often, dark eyes and darkish or olive skin.