The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word DESULTORY
D
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More clues leading to the result DESULTORY
- Random duels upset Peel, for one
- Unmethodical toys ruled out
- Casual young leader excited about enlisting officer
- Duels wrecked politician’s rambling
- Aimless role conflated with half of next
- Half-hearted, Democrat and Conservative after outcome, both sides having been ousted
- Like small talk, perhaps? Phoney does, truly
- Erratic journalist retracted report about university student
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "rambling" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case rambling = desultory.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 DESULTORY mean?
DESULTORY adjective- Jumping, or passing, from one thing or subject to another, without order, planning, or rational connection; lacking logical sequence.
- Out of course; by the way; not connected with the subject.
- Disappointing in performance or progress.
- Leaping, skipping or flitting about, generally in a random or unsteady manner.