Cryptic crossword clue
Inappropriate for ailing duke to receive spell in prison 3-5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 plus 5 letter word ILL TIMED

I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Inappropriate" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case inappropriate = ill timed.
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 ILL TIMED mean?

ILL TIMED adjective
  1. Occurring at an unfavourable or inappropriate time; untimely

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