The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PROSELYTE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
P
R
O
S
E
L
Y
T
E
More clues leading to the result PROSELYTE
- Writing about cathedral beginning to tempt convert
- Convert polyester into a new form
- Convert text with less fat, might one say?
- Convert badly-made polyester
- Convert experts to see Terence is gutted
- Convert writing? Only text without margins
- Piece of writing reportedly illuminated recruit
- In pursuit of power, see Tory confused about Liberal convert
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "recruit" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case recruit = proselyte.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 PROSELYTE mean?
PROSELYTE noun- One who has converted to a religion or doctrine, especially a gentile converted to Judaism.
- To proselytize.