The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word OEDIPAL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
O
E
D
I
P
A
L
More clues leading to the result OEDIPAL
- Like a complex king’s gem worn by English princess?
- Dictionary one lacking interest, not quite as complex?
- Reference work on beer, large and so complex?
- Something that defines single mate, over-attached to his mum?
- Kind of complex reference work, one on China
- Sign withdrawn about decline facing area concerned with complex?
- Incestuous old dutch takes ecstasy with a friend
- 17 Myself with mate following wordy book concerning loving mother
- Dictionary one friend finds kind of complex
- I loved pa madly? Not very this then!
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Like a complex king’s" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case like a complex king’s = oedipal.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 OEDIPAL mean?
OEDIPAL adjective- Of or relating to the Oedipus complex.