The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PLUMAGE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
L
U
M
A
G
E
More clues leading to the result PLUMAGE
- Prize article for one returning bird’s coat
- Highly desirable era for feathers
- Highly desirable to get on down etc
- Perfect time to get down
- Peacock shows this? Best to decline
- Mature fruit’s first down
- Cat say returning to house left feathers
- Down and out male with pug
- Fruit getting mature’s brought down
- Down in perfect time
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "down" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case down = plumage.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 PLUMAGE mean?
PLUMAGE noun- Layer or collection of feathers covering a bird’s body; feathers used ornamentally.
- Finery or elaborate dress.