The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DESPOTIC
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
D
E
S
P
O
T
I
C
More clues leading to the result DESPOTIC
- Oppressive awkward situation I found in December
- . High-handed op-eds blasted jerk
- . Tyrannical Democrat in charge detaining tortured poets
- Autocratic cops tied suspect
- On return, mentioned holding operations typical of tyrant
- Tyrannical Democrat in charge smuggling ecstasy tablets and marijuana
- Some French chief returning, in charge and authoritarian
- Desmond’s flipping work! Habitual response is high-handed
- Dictatorial of the French head, revolting in charge
- In a month, notice one has become autocratic
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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 DESPOTIC mean?
DESPOTIC adjective- Of or pertaining to a despot or tyrant.
- Acting or ruling as a despot, tyrannical.