The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word STOATS
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More clues leading to the result STOATS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "for a time, they look pale" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case for a time, they look pale = stoats.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 STOATS mean?
STOATS noun- Mustela erminea, the ermine or short-tailed weasel, a mustelid native to Eurasia and North America, distinguished from the least weasel by its larger size and longer tail with a prominent black tip.