The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ALLEGED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
A
L
L
E
G
E
D
More clues leading to the result ALLEGED
- A Liberal member journalist accused without proof
- Everything, say, European dictator initially claimed
- Maintained Welsh boy’s eaten a bit of chicken
- Declared as supporter in possible deal
- Maintained member has got into crooked deal
- Bad deal limiting support, it’s claimed
- Charged member involved in crooked deal
- So-called “questionably legal” education
- Aluminium key, not new it’s claimed
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Maintained" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case maintained = alleged.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 ALLEGED mean?
ALLEGED verb- To state under oath, to plead.
- To cite or quote an author or his work for or against.
- To adduce (something) as a reason, excuse, support etc.
- To make a claim as justification or proof; to make an assertion without proof.
- To lighten, diminish.
- Asserted but not proved.
- Supposed but doubtful.