Cryptic crossword clue
Maiden on dash home — that may account for dark countenance 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MELANIN

I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
M
E
L
A
N
I
N

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "that may account for dark countenance" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case that may account for dark countenance = melanin.
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 MELANIN mean?

MELANIN noun
  1. Any of a group of naturally occurring dark pigments, especially the pigment found in skin, hair, fur, and feathers.

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