The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word EXCUSED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
E
X
C
U
S
E
D
More clues leading to the result EXCUSED
- Former leader of Conservatives was wont to be forgiven?
- Fifty per cent of ex-cons applied to be let off
- Overlooked cross copper’s found in river that’s ebbing
- Former Conservative gets employed and forgiven
- Pardoned and released
- Overlooked having been given permission to leave the Christmas dinner table?
- Old Charlie in employment allowed to leave
- Sought to justify former copper’s heartless intent
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "forgiven" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case forgiven = excused.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 EXCUSED mean?
EXCUSED verb- To forgive; to pardon.
- To allow to leave, or release from any obligation.
- To provide an excuse for; to explain, with the aim of alleviating guilt or negative judgement.
- To relieve of an imputation by apology or defense; to make apology for as not seriously evil; to ask pardon or indulgence for.