The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word INSPECTS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
I
N
S
P
E
C
T
S
More clues leading to the result INSPECTS
- Examines popular parties holding power
- Examines source of protein found in bugs
- Looks closely — about time to be wearing glasses?
- Examines power possessed by bugs
- Looks at home — time to wear glasses?
- Checks for 6 legged creatures around the piano
- Pores over bugs in quiet? Just the opposite!
- Studies entomology subject pierced by head of pin
- Quietly coming between factionally divided vets
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "vets" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case vets = inspects.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 INSPECTS mean?
INSPECTS verb- To examine critically or carefully; especially, to search out problems or determine condition; to scrutinize.
- To view and examine officially.