The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word REEVE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
E
E
V
E
More clues leading to the result REEVE
- Female bird always returning full of energy
- Old magistrate always backed imprisoning English
- Former bailiff concerned about first female
- Old magistrate about to meet woman in garden
- Early magistrate turning up the day before queen
- Former Kent player always up to conserve energy
- Woman tempted after scripture class — that was official
- Bird’s old beak
- Magistrate’s point accepted by minister at conclusion of case
- Magistrate constantly upset about illegal drug
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Magistrate" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case magistrate = reeve.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 REEVE mean?
REEVE noun- Any of several local officials, with varying responsibilities.
- The president of a township or municipal district council.
- The holder of a proposed but unadopted commissioned rank of the Royal Air Force, equivalent to wing commander.
- To pass (a rope) through a hole or opening, especially so as to fasten it.
- A female of the species Philomachus pugnax, a highly gregarious, medium-sized wading bird of Eurasia; the male is a ruff.