Cryptic crossword clue
Old sailors on ship prompt to turn criminal 6

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word SUBORN

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
U
B
O
R
N

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The straight part
We know that "prompt to turn crimina" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case prompt to turn crimina = suborn.
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 SUBORN mean?

SUBORN verb
  1. To induce to commit an unlawful or malicious act, or to commit perjury
  2. To procure privately, or by collusion; to incite secretly; to instigate.

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