The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PATRONAGE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
A
T
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O
N
A
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More clues leading to the result PATRONAGE
- Irishman with anger about appearing in supporting role
- Go off with a parent to get financial aid
- Sponsorship a pro agent sorted out
- A port that’s dilapidated with new decline in custom
- It’s the custom to give a wealthy backer time
- Peculiar part about period custom
- Nixon-Reagan era political appointments
- Composed page on art in support of artists, say
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "financial aid" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case financial aid = patronage.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 PATRONAGE mean?
PATRONAGE noun- The act of providing approval and support; backing; championship.
- Customers collectively; clientele; business.
- A communication that indicates lack of respect by patronizing the recipient; condescension; disdain.
- Granting favours or giving contracts or making appointments to office in return for political support.
- Guardianship, as of a saint; tutelary care.
- The right of nomination to political office.
- The right of presentation to church or ecclesiastical benefice; advowson.
- To support by being a patron of.
- To be a regular customer or client of; to patronize