The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PARCHMENT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
A
R
C
H
M
E
N
T
More clues leading to the result PARCHMENT
- Paper featuring clever people in part
- Vellum produced by knowing fellows in port
- What was written on role filled by church workers?
- Paper replaced such leading chaps in part
- Document principally, Candlestick, Hall, Mrs … held by dad?
- Paper page merchant distributed
- Something old to write on exercises clever people inside
- Coy guys in gym writing on this?
- Section about chaps going to church in paper
- Mum or Dad wrapping children maybe initially in goatskin?
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Paper" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case paper = parchment.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 PARCHMENT mean?
PARCHMENT noun- Material, made from the polished skin of a calf, sheep, goat or other animal, used like paper for writing.
- A document made on such material.
- A diploma (traditionally written on parchment).
- Stiff paper imitating that material.
- The creamy to tanned color of parchment.
- The envelope of the coffee grains, inside the pulp.