The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CHAPPED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
C
H
A
P
P
E
D
More clues leading to the result CHAPPED
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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 CHAPPED mean?
CHAPPED verb- Of the skin, to split or flake due to cold weather or dryness.
- To cause to open in slits or chinks; to split; to cause the skin of to crack or become rough.
- To strike, knock.
- (of skin) Dry and flaky due to excessive evaporation of water from its surface.
- (in combination) Having chaps, or jaws, of a specified kind.