The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word ABSOLUTION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
B
S
O
L
U
T
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result ABSOLUTION
- Release lions, about to be mauled
- Deliverance provided in washing
- Awful lout in Bosnia mistakenly gets pardon
- Release
- So into cleaning and clearing!
- Almost certain to have no comeback after international’s acquittal
- Pardon given by a bishop is the answer
- Sailor has answer, forgiveness
- Answer by sailor offering forgiveness
- Jack’s answer: ‘Pardon?’
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Pardon" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pardon = absolution.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 ABSOLUTION mean?
ABSOLUTION noun- An absolving of sins from ecclesiastical penalties by an authority.
- Forgiveness of sins, in a general sense.
- The form of words by which a penitent is absolved.
- An absolving, or setting free from guilt, sin, or penalty; forgiveness of an offense.
- An acquittal, or sentence of a judge declaring an accused person innocent.
- Delivery, in speech.