The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EXEMPLARY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
X
E
M
P
L
A
R
Y
More clues leading to the result EXEMPLARY
- Largely excused, lolled around rear of bar: perfect
- Ideal place acquired by Virgin on far side of river
- Woman keeping place by river that’s perfect
- Former politician sitting in original early model
- Admirable French article, lines supporting former European politician
- Old English place toured by female model
- Ideal place kept by Tudor monarch south of river
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "perfect" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case perfect = exemplary.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 EXEMPLARY mean?
EXEMPLARY noun- An example, or typical instance.
- A copy of a book or a piece of writing.
- Deserving honour, respect and admiration.
- Of such high quality that it should serve as an example to be imitated; ideal, perfect.
- Serving as a warning; monitory.
- Providing an example or illustration.