The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CONFIRMED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
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More clues leading to the result CONFIRMED
- Inveterate jailbird unshaken by journalist
- Established lyric finally about tree by sea
- Proved to be a full member of the church
- Approved cheat's business and ended without substance
- Fraud dismissed with involvement of money established
- At the end, director's name found in two companies, essentially shell; it’s validated
- Inveterate criminal has business with my boss
- Inveterate conservative editor keeps running company
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Inveterate" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case inveterate = confirmed.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 CONFIRMED mean?
CONFIRMED verb- To strengthen; to make firm or resolute.
- To administer the sacrament of confirmation on (someone).
- To assure the accuracy of previous statements.
- Having a settled habit; inveterate or habitual
- Verified or ratified
- Having received the rite of confirmation