The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ESCARGOTS
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More clues leading to the result ESCARGOTS
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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.
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What does ESCARGOTS mean?
ESCARGOTS noun- A dish, commonly associated with French cuisine, consisting of edible snails.
- A snail (often Helix pomatia) used in preparation of that dish.