The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word WINDLASS
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
W
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D
L
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More clues leading to the result WINDLASS
- Turn on wench providing winch
- Western islands supply a lift for sailors
- Gas associated with large behind? It could lift you off your feet!
- Elevating device that may go over well
- This may lift 2 lads going mad during conquests
- Turn to face girl that might give one a lift
- Successfully woo girl holding diamonds — that can give you a lift
- Get date with girl as naval weightlifter?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Elevating device" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case elevating device = windlass.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 WINDLASS mean?
WINDLASS noun- Any of various forms of winch, in which a rope or cable is wound around a cylinder, used for lifting heavy weights
- A winding and circuitous way; a roundabout course.
- An apparatus resembling a winch or windlass, for bending the bow of an arblast, or crossbow.
- To raise with, or as if with, a windlass; to use a windlass.
- To take a roundabout course; to work warily or by indirect means.