The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SCABROUS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
C
A
B
R
O
U
S
More clues leading to the result SCABROUS
- Proust edges away after strikebreaker becomes unpleasant
- Harsh banking system backed and put in action shortly
- Rough marinade almost envelops minced crab
- Liver not wholly absorbing origins of alcoholic binge — result is almost obscene
- Scaly cobras disturbed more than just me
- Rough strikebreaker’s going to stir endlessly
- Rough Liverpudlian mostly skirts dodgy bar
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Scaly" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case scaly = scabrous.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 SCABROUS mean?
SCABROUS adjective- Covered with scales or scabs; hence, very coarse or rough.
- Disgusting, repellent.
- Of music, writing, etc.: lacking refinement; unmelodious, unmusical.
- Difficult, thorny, troublesome.
- Covered with a crust of dirt or grime.