The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PURGATORY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
U
R
G
A
T
O
R
Y
More clues leading to the result PURGATORY
- Suffering when a conservative follows heartless, reactionary group
- Arty group writhing in torment
- Suffering guy unhappy with “remarkable” parrot
- Ordeal of a Conservative supporting band set up without love
- Arty group writhing in intense discomfort
- Heartless clique upset a politician producing intense discomfort
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Ordeal" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ordeal = purgatory.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 PURGATORY mean?
PURGATORY noun- Alternative letter-case form of Purgatory
- Any situation where suffering is endured, particularly as part of a process of redemption.
- Tending to cleanse; expiatory.