The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word REVERENCE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
E
V
E
R
E
N
C
E
More clues leading to the result REVERENCE
- Respect, veneration principally for fellow?
- Mention Vatican City having replaced France in that respect
- Clergyman scratching bottom before church worship
- Homage shown as famous rider goes round enclosure
- About to join new church, always needing to join in respectful worship
- Respect for authority is earned when force is not used to gain victory
- Respect for short clergyman of Church of England
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Respect/veneration" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case respect/veneration = reverence.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 REVERENCE mean?
REVERENCE noun- Veneration; profound awe and respect, normally in a sacred context.
- An act of showing respect, such as a bow.
- The state of being revered.
- A form of address for some members of the clergy.
- That which deserves or exacts manifestations of reverence; reverend character; dignity; state.
- To show or feel reverence to.