Cryptic crossword clue
Spies, close to cot, strange old rattle 7

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SISTRUM

I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
I
S
T
R
U
M

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "old rattle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case old rattle = sistrum.
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 SISTRUM mean?

SISTRUM noun
  1. An ancient Egyptian musical instrument, to be shaken, consisting of a metal frame holding percussive metal beads.

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