Cryptic crossword clue
Fires half of main agents protecting king 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 plus 1 letter word INSPIRES} :

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
I
N
S
P
I
R
E
S
}
:

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Fires" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case fires = inspires} :.
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 INSPIRES} : mean?

INSPIRES} : verb
  1. To infuse into the mind; to communicate to the spirit; to convey, as by a divine or supernatural influence; to disclose preternaturally; to produce in, as by inspiration.
  2. To infuse into; to affect, as with a superior or supernatural influence; to fill with what animates, enlivens or exalts; to communicate inspiration to.
  3. To draw in by the operation of breathing; to inhale.
  4. To infuse by breathing, or as if by breathing.
  5. To breathe into; to fill with the breath; to animate.
  6. To spread rumour indirectly.

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