The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word DESCRIPTION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
E
S
C
R
I
P
T
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result DESCRIPTION
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "outline" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case outline = description.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 DESCRIPTION mean?
DESCRIPTION noun- A sketch or account of anything in words; a portraiture or representation in language; an enumeration of the essential qualities of a thing or species.
- The act of describing; a delineation by marks or signs.
- A set of characteristics by which someone or something can be recognized.
- A scientific documentation of a taxon for the purpose of introducing it to science.
- The act or practice of recording and describing actual language usage in a given speech community, as opposed to prescription, i.e. laying down norms of language usage.
- A descriptive linguistic survey.