The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word CURIAL
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The straight part
We know that "Papal court" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case papal court = curial.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 CURIAL mean?
CURIAL noun- A member of a curia, especially of that of Rome or the later Italian sovereignties.
- Pertaining to a court; courtly.
- Pertaining to the papal curia.