The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CROTCHETS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
C
R
O
T
C
H
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S
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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 CROTCHETS mean?
CROTCHETS noun- A musical note one beat long in 4/4 time.
- A sharp curve or crook; a shape resembling a hook
- A whim or a fancy
- A forked support; a crotch.
- An indentation in the glacis of the covered way, at a point where a traverse is placed.
- The arrangement of a body of troops, either forward or rearward, so as to form a line nearly perpendicular to the general line of battle.
- A square bracket.