The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word LINEAGES
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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 LINEAGES mean?
LINEAGES noun- Descent in a line from a common progenitor; progeny; descending line of offspring or ascending line of parentage.
- A number of lines of text in a column.