Cryptic crossword clue
Pirates in cutter engaged with foes 12

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word COUNTERFEITS

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Pirates" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pirates = counterfeits.
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 COUNTERFEITS mean?

COUNTERFEITS noun
  1. A non-genuine article; a fake.
  2. One who counterfeits; a counterfeiter.
  3. That which resembles another thing; a likeness; a portrait; a counterpart.
  4. An impostor; a cheat.
COUNTERFEITS verb
  1. To falsely produce what appears to be official or valid; to produce a forged copy of.
  2. To produce a faithful copy of.
  3. To feign; to mimic.
  4. (usually "be counterfeited") Of a turn or river card, to invalidate a player's hand by making a better hand on the board.

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