The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TIPSTAFF
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
T
I
P
S
T
A
F
F
More clues leading to the result TIPSTAFF
- Sheriff’s officer to leave money for waiters
- Sheriff’s officer spat furiously during argument
- Officer sorting out spat in petty quarrel
- Court official with gratuities for office workers
- Officer is to reward good restaurant service?
- Official bit of advice goes to teachers, say
- Official providing payment for services to employees
- Old officer to leave something behind for waiters?
- Officer backing mine workers
- Bailiff has list of employees
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "(sheriff’s) officer" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case (sheriff’s) officer = tipstaff.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 TIPSTAFF mean?
TIPSTAFF noun- A ceremonial staff, with a metal tip, carried by a constable or bailiff etc as a sign of office
- An officer, of a court etc. who carries such a staff