The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word CONTRIBUTION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
C
O
N
T
R
I
B
U
T
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result CONTRIBUTION
- Regret accepting British university’s input
- Endless praise by Tory over independent’s refusal to return donation
- In regret, almost buy gift
- Gift of half buck bestowed in sorrow
- Almost buy in remorse something to be given
- Shame about tramp killing maiden in story
- Gift of new tunic to Robin
- Donation from British university in remorse
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Gift" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case gift = contribution.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 CONTRIBUTION mean?
CONTRIBUTION noun- Something given or offered that adds to a larger whole.
- An amount of money given toward something.
- The act of contributing.
- The taking part, often with the idea that it has led to (scientific etc.) progress.