The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word APOSTLES
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
P
O
S
T
L
E
S
More clues leading to the result APOSTLES
- First-rate display by the French champions
- School PTA loses supporters
- Advocates having porters perhaps outside station
- America’s new topless messengers
- During affairs, initially the French letters hide John Thomas and the like
- Followers given job with drinks all round
- A topless orgy for Paul and his mates
- Evangelists have drinks outside station
- An appointment with the French missionaries
- Their acts are well-known
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "supporters" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case supporters = apostles.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 APOSTLES mean?
APOSTLES noun- A missionary, or leader of a religious mission, especially one in the early Christian Church (but see Apostle).
- A pioneer or early advocate of a particular cause, prophet of a belief.
- A top-ranking ecclesiastical official in the twelve seat administrative council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- A person who is plucked, that is, refused an academic degree.
- A letter dismissory.
- A note sent to an appeals court presenting the appeal in summary.
- The trial court record sent to an appeal court concerning an appeal.