The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PROTEGE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
R
O
T
E
G
E
More clues leading to the result PROTEGE
- In favour of note for example backing person aided by patronage
- Apprentice finds postgraduate education starts to contain mindless repetition
- Pupil, say, given place in professional squad, not amateur
- Peer got embarrassed in ward
- Charge finally gone after corrosion breaks pin
- Professional driving gear includes go-kart cap for apprentice
- Turn into pin with Einstein's head apprentice
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "person aided by patronage" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case person aided by patronage = protege.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 PROTEGE mean?
PROTEGE noun- A person guided and protected by a more prominent person.