The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word ALLOYS
A
L
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More clues leading to the result ALLOYS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "brass, steel, pewter, and the like" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case brass, steel, pewter, and the like = alloys.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 ALLOYS mean?
ALLOYS noun- A metal that is a combination of two or more elements, at least one of which is a metal.
- A metal of lesser value, mixed with a metal of greater value.
- An admixture; something added which stains, taints etc.
- Fusion, marriage, combination.
- To mix or combine; often used of metals.
- To reduce the purity of by mixing with a less valuable substance.
- To impair or debase by mixture.