Cryptic crossword clue
Keen desires protracted in Gilbert and Sullivan 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word LONGINGS

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The straight part
We know that "Keen desires" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case keen desires = longings.
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 LONGINGS mean?

LONGINGS noun
  1. An earnest and deep, not greatly passionate, but rather melancholic desire.
  2. The buying of a financial instrument with the expectation that its value will rise

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