The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word LADIFIES
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
L
A
D
I
F
I
E
S
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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 LADIFIES mean?
LADIFIES verb- To make a lady of; to make ladylike.