The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word EARMARKED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
E
A
R
M
A
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K
E
D
More clues leading to the result EARMARKED
- Labelled each book stolen by cardinal
- Organ stained and set aside
- Packing touring chest after time finally set aside
- Carefully chosen Demerara rum to entertain the King
- Listener bruised and put aside
- Set aside each religious book penned by cardinal
- Organ, stained, put aside
- Reserved listener ticked the boxes
- Reserved English artist returning on old boat in sea
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "set aside" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case set aside = earmarked.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 EARMARKED mean?
EARMARKED verb- To mark (as of sheep) by slitting the ear.
- (by extension) To specify or set aside for a particular purpose, to allocate.