The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ACQUITTAL
A
C
Q
U
I
T
T
A
L
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 ACQUITTAL mean?
ACQUITTAL noun- The act of fulfilling the duties (of a given role, obligation etc.).
- A legal decision that someone is not guilty with which they have been charged, or the formal dismissal of a charge by some other legal process.
- Payment of a debt or other obligation; reparations, amends.
- The act of releasing someone from debt or other obligation; acquittance.
- Avoidance of danger; deliverance.