The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word APPENDAGE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
P
P
E
N
D
A
G
E
More clues leading to the result APPENDAGE
- Saw covering page by writer a secondary part
- Await developments in a leaf attachment
- Attachment of a sheet enclosing pound note
- Sabotaged agenda about Oxford course — not an essential item
- This adjunct shows program finish in time
- Page writer inside saw in supplement
- Accessory a writer finally used, filling part of book
- Attachment formed by a priest with writer at the start of difficult time
- Program needing time to include objective for attachment
- Hanger-on not extremely happy with closing time
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "not an essential item" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case not an essential item = appendage.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 APPENDAGE mean?
APPENDAGE noun- An external body part that projects from the body.
- A natural prolongation or projection from a part of any organism.
- A part that is joined to something larger.