The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word AWESTRUCK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
W
E
S
T
R
U
C
K
More clues leading to the result AWESTRUCK
- Astonished group of rugby players led by a point
- Amazed a bridge player in front of a packed crowd
- Terrified heading into a fight
- Very afraid weak crust has collapsed
- Lost for words, as we customised vehicle
- Wondering bridge player in an undistinguished crowd
- Lost for words as we crashed lorry
- A direction over scrum astonished
- Ace you and I hit is impressed
- Amazed when lorry gets both of us on board
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "In respectful dread" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case in respectful dread = awestruck.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 AWESTRUCK mean?
AWESTRUCK adjective- Filled or overcome with awe or wonder.