The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EMBOSSING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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More clues leading to the result EMBOSSING
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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 EMBOSSING mean?
EMBOSSING verb- To mark or decorate with a raised design or symbol.
- To raise in relief from a surface, as an ornament, a head on a coin, etc.
- Of a hunted animal: to take shelter in a wood or forest.
- To drive (an animal) to extremity; to exhaust, to make foam at the mouth.
- To hide or conceal in a thicket; to imbosk; to enclose, shelter, or shroud in a wood.
- To surround; to ensheath; to immerse; to beset.
- A raised design or symbol that has been embossed.