The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word FIRST-RATE
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The straight part
We know that "Excellent" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case excellent = first-rate.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 FIRST-RATE mean?
FIRST-RATE noun- A ship of the line in the British navy that had over 100 guns on three gun decks
- Describing a ship of the line in the British navy that had over 100 guns on three gundecks.
- (by extension) Exceptionally good.