The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ESCORTED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
E
S
C
O
R
T
E
D
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 ESCORTED mean?
ESCORTED verb- To attend to in order to guard and protect; to accompany as a safeguard (for the person escorted or for others); to give honorable or ceremonious attendance to
- To accompany (a person) in order to compel them to go somewhere (e.g. to leave a building).
- To go with someone as a partner, for example on a formal date.
- With or having an escort.