The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word INAUGURAL
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
I
N
A
U
G
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A
L
More clues leading to the result INAUGURAL
- Original popular painting’s lost millions after a month
- Speech made by new president during month by Russian river
- Speech made by new president during month on river?
- Speech happening during summer month on Russian river
- Maiden needs a ruling about wearing a uniform? On the contrary
- Maiden wants hot summer month by river
- First in river after summer
- Maiden wearing Russian flower around August
- Opening popular bit of summer course in Russia
- During summer month, leader leaves country first
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Maiden" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case maiden = inaugural.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 INAUGURAL mean?
INAUGURAL noun- An inauguration; a formal beginning.
- A formal speech given at the beginning of an office.
- Of inauguration; as in a speech or lecture by the person being inaugurated.
- Marking the beginning of an operation, venture, etc.