Cryptic crossword clue
Host welcomes military clique’s demoted leader, a beast 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MUNTJAC

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
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The straight part
We know that "beast" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case beast = muntjac.
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 MUNTJAC mean?

MUNTJAC noun
  1. Any of various species of east Asian deer of the genus Muntiacus, having short antlers and a barking call.

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