The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word REPRIMAND
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
R
E
P
R
I
M
A
N
D
More clues leading to the result REPRIMAND
- Primer damaged centre of grandma’s carpet
- Border agent consequently impounds rocket
- Reprove about stiffly formal, logical operation
- Salesman going over border with carpet
- Left holding stiffly formal article, getting severe reproof
- Agent with staff brought in to deliver carpet
- Carpet and rug initially displayed by fellow in form of pride
- Soldier’s stiffly formal and incurring censure
- Businessman on border with carpet
- Carpet salesman free to tour island
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "severe reproof" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case severe reproof = reprimand.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 REPRIMAND mean?
REPRIMAND noun- A severe, formal or official reproof; reprehension, rebuke, private or public.
- To reprove in a formal or official way.