The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MILKSOP
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
I
L
K
S
O
P
More clues leading to the result MILKSOP
- Effeminate chap writing about class work
- Weakling gets full benefit of operation
- Doormat wiper is out of sorts
- Coward exploits short operation
- Effete type weaving silk into unruly hair
- Mummy’s boy switching tops on delicate fabric cleaner
- Weak type of cleaner conserving fancy silk
- Mummy’s boy uses chamberpot on rising
- Inadequate man produces a lower output at work
- Nancy takes advantage of work
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Effeminate chap" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case effeminate chap = milksop.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 MILKSOP mean?
MILKSOP noun- A piece of bread sopped in milk.
- Bread pieces in a bowl, sprinkled with sugar, & covered in hot milk.
- (by extension) A weak, easily frightened or ineffectual person.