The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word VIGNETTE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
V
I
G
N
E
T
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E
More clues leading to the result VIGNETTE
- Ivy signs letter whose contents form word picture
- Characterful piece given alternative title, oddly
- Vetting procedure ultimately generates brief character study
- Revolutionary vetting Leonardo’s second sketch
- Sketch given unusual title, oddly enough
- Give ground when framing final character sketch
- Somehow get vet in profile
- Good profit in quick French sketch
- Sketch very small seal without head on top of note
- Character sketch: get vet in, comically
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Sketch" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sketch = vignette.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 VIGNETTE mean?
VIGNETTE noun- A running ornament consisting of leaves and tendrils, used in Gothic architecture.
- A decorative design, originally representing vine branches or tendrils, at the head of a chapter, of a manuscript or printed book, or in a similar position.
- (by extension) Any small borderless picture in a book, especially an engraving, photograph, or the like, which vanishes gradually at the edge.
- (by extension) A short story or anecdote that presents a scene or tableau, or paints a picture.
- The central pictorial image on a postage stamp.
- The characteristic of a camera lens, either by deficiency in design or by mismatch of the lens with the film format, to produce an image smaller than the film's frame with a crudely focused border. Photographers may deliberately choose this characteristic for a special effect.
- A small sticker affixed to a vehicle windscreen to indicate that tolls have been paid.
- To make, as an engraving or a photograph, with a border or edge gradually fading away.