The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word DOTAGE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
O
T
A
G
E
More clues leading to the result DOTAGE
- Timid creature concealing mark that identifies when death is near
- Practise children’s game with energy and fondness
- Degenerative state of Venetian magistrate keeping volunteer army once
- State of senile decay demonstrated by magistrate imprisoning volunteers
- Mark time when senior moments become the norm
- Again designate base disposition for 80-plus?
- Advanced years of magistrate receiving cheers
- Senility of Venice’s bigwig entertaining volunteers
- Party game’s ending with implanted label — another opportunity for childish behaviour?
- Female admitting children’s game is an old weakness
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Degenerative state" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case degenerative state = dotage.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 DOTAGE mean?
DOTAGE noun- Decline in judgment and other cognitive functions, associated with aging; senility.
- Fondness or attentiveness, especially to an excessive degree.
- Foolish utterance(s); drivel.