The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word EMBOSSED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
E
M
B
O
S
S
E
D
More clues leading to the result EMBOSSED
- Proud chief in Oriental sea
- Some debs, surprisingly, did relief work?
- In relief, the writer turned, told what to do?
- Given small space, managed using type of wallpaper?
- Outstanding leader in Eastern Levant perhaps
- English male told what to do, moulded into shape?
- Standing out with some debs dancing
- Captain in Eastern sea showing relief
- English male, browbeaten, is moulded into shape
- Manager plunged into Eastern sea showing relief
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Outstanding" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case outstanding = embossed.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 EMBOSSED mean?
EMBOSSED verb- To mark or decorate with a raised design or symbol.
- To raise in relief from a surface, as an ornament, a head on a coin, etc.
- Of a hunted animal: to take shelter in a wood or forest.
- To drive (an animal) to extremity; to exhaust, to make foam at the mouth.
- To hide or conceal in a thicket; to imbosk; to enclose, shelter, or shroud in a wood.
- To surround; to ensheath; to immerse; to beset.
- With raised letters or images on the surface.