The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CRUSTIER
C
R
U
S
T
I
E
R
Buddy explains!

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 CRUSTIER mean?
CRUSTIER adjective- Having a crust, especially a thick one.
- (of a person or behavior) Short-tempered and gruff but, sometimes, with a harmless or benign inner nature.
- Of very low quality.