The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CHARTERED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
H
A
R
T
E
R
E
D
More clues leading to the result CHARTERED
- Hired privately, plotted to capture the monarch
- Like some accountants about to be drafted outside
- Licensed cat herder in action
- Some accountants are public school educated, missing house
- Hired and crashed the red car
- … heartlessly consoled about trick to get engaged
- Engaged fantastic teacher possessing writing degree
- Hired as a professional accountant?
- Cold and rather stupid editor took out a lease
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Hired privately" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case hired privately = chartered.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 CHARTERED mean?
CHARTERED verb- To grant or establish a charter.
- To lease or hire something by charter.
- (of a peace officer) To inform (an arrestee) of their constitutional rights under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms upon arrest.
- Having a charter.