The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word MAGISTRATES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
M
A
G
I
S
T
R
A
T
E
S
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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 MAGISTRATES mean?
MAGISTRATES noun- A judicial officer with limited authority to administer and enforce the law. A magistrate's court may have jurisdiction in civil or criminal cases, or both.
- A high official of the state or a municipality in ancient Greece or Rome.
- (by extension) A comparable official in medieval or modern institutions.
- A master's degree.