Cryptic crossword clue
Initial, perhaps, but second 11

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word COUNTERSIGN

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
C
O
U
N
T
E
R
S
I
G
N

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Initial" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case initial = countersign.
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 COUNTERSIGN mean?

COUNTERSIGN noun
  1. A second signature added to a document to affirm the validity of the signature of the first person.
  2. The response to a sign or signal.
COUNTERSIGN verb
  1. To sign on the opposite side of (a document).
  2. (by extension) To add a second signature to a document, affirming the validity of the signature of another person.

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