The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word SLURS
S
L
U
R
S
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "aspersions" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case aspersions = slurs.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 SLURS mean?
SLURS noun- An insult or slight.
- A set of notes that are played legato, without separate articulation.
- The symbol indicating a legato passage, written as an arc over the slurred notes (not to be confused with a tie).
- A trick or deception.
- In knitting machines, a device for depressing the sinkers successively by passing over them.
- To insult or slight.
- To run together; to articulate poorly.
- To play legato or without separate articulation; to connect (notes) smoothly.
- To soil; to sully; to contaminate; to disgrace.
- To cover over; to disguise; to conceal; to pass over lightly or with little notice.
- To cheat, as by sliding a die; to trick.
- To blur or double, as an impression from type; to mackle.