The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ENTERTAIN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
N
T
E
R
T
A
I
N
More clues leading to the result ENTERTAIN
- Host's put in metal fencing area
- Please flirt with host
- Join volunteers, not out to amuse
- What hostess should do to enlist volunteers at home?
- Consider goin’ in to accept thanks
- Please record “thank you” at home
- Receive guests, showing delight
- Internet -- a strange delight
- Harbour's charm
- Throw a party – and do some conjuring, perhaps?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Harbour/charm" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case harbour/charm = entertain.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 ENTERTAIN mean?
ENTERTAIN noun- Entertainment; pleasure.
- Reception of a guest; welcome.
- To amuse (someone); to engage the attention of agreeably.
- To have someone over at one's home for a party or visit.
- To receive and take into consideration; to have a thought in mind.
- To take or keep in one's service; to maintain; to support; to harbour; to keep.
- To meet or encounter, as an enemy.
- To lead on; to bring along; to introduce.