The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word MAVERICK
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
M
A
V
E
R
I
C
K
More clues leading to the result MAVERICK
- Independent state in grip of small man
- Non-conformist state I see in Macedonia
- . Michael nurses a very stunted stray animal
- Rebel state embraced by Jagger?
- Radical state in a bit of gimmickry
- Rebel Jagger perhaps hogging road, meets resistance
- Michael about to declare his views are unorthodox
- Rebel‘s to confirm getting framed in Dundee, perhaps
- No fitter state, Michael admits
- Male state in charge of knight errant?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Non-conformist/a" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case non-conformist/a = maverick.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 MAVERICK mean?
MAVERICK noun- An unbranded range animal.
- (by extension) Anything dishonestly obtained.
- (by extension) One who is unconventional or does not abide by rules.
- (by extension) One who creates or uses controversial or unconventional ideas or practices.
- A person in the military who became an officer by going to college while on active duty as an enlisted person.
- A queen and a jack as a starting hand in Texas hold 'em.
- To take an unbranded range animal.
- (by extension) To seize without a legal claim.
- Of cattle: unbranded.
- Showing independence in thoughts or actions.