The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word MASSACRED
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
M
A
S
S
A
C
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More clues leading to the result MASSACRED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "butchered" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case butchered = massacred.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 MASSACRED mean?
MASSACRED verb- To kill in considerable numbers where little or no resistance can be made, with indiscriminate violence, without necessity, and contrary to civilized norms. (Often limited to the killing of human beings.)
- To win so decisively it is in the manner of so slaughtering one's opponent.
- To give a performance so poorly it is in the manner of so slaughtering the musical piece, play etc being performed.