The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PEASANTRY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
P
E
A
S
A
N
T
R
Y
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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 PEASANTRY mean?
PEASANTRY noun- Impoverished rural farm workers, either as serfs, small freeholders or hired hands.
- Ignorant people of the lowest social status; bumpkins, rustics.