The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word DRAKE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
D
R
A
K
E
More clues leading to the result DRAKE
- Duke, libertine and noted sailor
- Admiral’s daughter pursued by libertine
- Adventurer from Harrow died coming north
- Partner to duck Elizabethan sailor
- Elizabeth's favourite duke: dissolute fellow
- Mallard, perhaps, departs with a string of carriages
- Famous sailor one's often seen on water
- Daughter attached to playboy sailor of old
- Opener in difficulty to collect duck
- Legendary bowler – one might fall for a duck
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Sailor" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sailor = drake.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 DRAKE mean?
DRAKE noun- A male duck.
- A mayfly used as fishing bait.
- A dragon.
- A small piece of artillery.
- A fiery meteor.
- A beaked galley, or Viking warship.