Cryptic crossword clue
Releases piratical captain held by leaderless barbarians 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word UNHOOKS

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
U
N
H
O
O
K
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Releases" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case releases = unhooks.
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 UNHOOKS mean?

UNHOOKS verb
  1. To remove from a hook.
  2. To unfasten by means of hooks.
  3. To unfasten the bra of (its wearer).

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