The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word SLAVERY
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
L
A
V
E
R
Y
More clues leading to the result SLAVERY
- Retired clergyman comes in to put an end to bondage
- Bondage makes you drool, yes?
- Southern state utterly into bondage
- Like Pavlov’s dogs in servitude
- Fly round state in subjugation
- Work without reward like a wet kiss?
- State drawn into secretive work in captivity
- Minister returning to probe murder and wicked exploitation
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "work in captivity" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case work in captivity = slavery.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 SLAVERY mean?
SLAVERY noun- An institution or social practice of owning human beings as property, especially for use as forced laborers.
- A condition of servitude endured by a slave.
- A condition in which one is captivated or subjugated, as by greed or drugs.
- Covered in slaver; slobbery.