The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word RESPONDENT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
E
S
P
O
N
D
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T
More clues leading to the result RESPONDENT
- Returner of questionnaire gloomy after change at top
- Posted again across the Atlantic, he defends suit
- Someone questioned grudge involving small lake
- One providing answers clumsily pretends to keep working
- Wrongly pretend son is the one with the answers
- Feel bitter about crossing Atlantic for a defendant
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "a defendant" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a defendant = respondent.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 RESPONDENT mean?
RESPONDENT noun- One who responds; one who replies.
- A defendant, especially in a case instituted by a petition or in appellate and divorce proceedings.
- A person replying to a questionnaire.
- Disposed or expected to respond; answering; according; corresponding.