The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word RATCHET
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
A
T
C
H
E
T
More clues leading to the result RATCHET
- Couple of scoundrels, second of which knocking out a tool
- Mechanical device used by fantasy author, not the first or the last
- Mechanism making the cart wobbly
- Mechanical device skinned fantasy author
- Terry wants edges taken off mechanical device
- Toothy thing responsible for crappy chatter
- Odd chatter to progress steadily
- Mechanical device chart represented on film
- Set of teeth chatter uncontrollably
- Make steady progress to incriminate man in court
Buddy explains!
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 RATCHET mean?
RATCHET noun- A pawl, click or detent for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.
- A mechanism composed of a ratchet wheel, or ratch and pawl.
- A ratchet wrench.
- (by extension) A procedure or regulation that goes in one direction, usually up.
- To cause to become incremented or decremented.
- To increment or decrement.
- Ghetto; unseemly, indecorous.