The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word NOOSE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
N
O
O
S
E
More clues leading to the result NOOSE
- Snare wild ones crossing over
- Ring through snout a form of restraint
- Trap quickly springs up — end of mouse!
- Oscar using something hooked sometimes for a coat hanger
- Police informer carrying old rope
- Hangman's rope shortly put over head of executed
- Snare wild ones crossing over at first
- Rope going up without delay on execution’s beginning?
- Marriage, some say, almost immediately raised energy
- Rope very quickly turned with end of cable attached
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "hanger" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case hanger = noose.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 NOOSE mean?
NOOSE noun- An adjustable loop of rope, such as the one placed around the neck in hangings, or the one at the end of a lasso.
- To tie or catch in a noose; to entrap or ensnare.