The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word DOCTORATE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
O
C
T
O
R
A
T
E
More clues leading to the result DOCTORATE
- Researcher wanting this instruction to make tea?
- Typed text needing to be assessed for academic distinction
- Tamper with a note to get degree
- Head of department takes more than half a month to judge academic qualification
- Academic qualification showing kid up to speed
- Degree time around October, excluding Bachelor of Engineering
- 30 down to reject European card company
- d. Degree given to redcoat in error
- Falsify a note in academic achievement
- Spot to make speech about college degree
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Researcher" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case researcher = doctorate.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 DOCTORATE mean?
DOCTORATE noun- The highest degree awarded by a university faculty.
- To make (someone) into a doctor.