The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word MOUSING
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Prowling" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case prowling = mousing.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 MOUSING mean?
MOUSING verb- To move cautiously or furtively, in the manner of a mouse (the rodent) (frequently used in the phrasal verb to mouse around).
- To hunt or catch mice (the rodents), usually of cats.
- To close the mouth of a hook by a careful binding of marline or wire.
- To navigate by means of a computer mouse.
- To tear, as a cat devours a mouse.
- The act of hunting mice (or similar prey), especially by pouncing on them from above.
- A turn or lashing of spun yarn or small stuff, or a metallic clasp or fastening, uniting the point and shank of a hook to prevent its unhooking or straightening out.
- A ratchet movement in a loom.
- Impertinently inquisitive; prying; meddlesome.