Cryptic crossword clue
Stroking head of dog coming from hiding 7

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

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
R
U
B
B
I
N
G

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Stroking" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case stroking = rubbing.
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 RUBBING mean?

RUBBING noun
  1. An impression of an embossed or incised surface made by placing a piece of paper over it and rubbing with graphite, crayon or other coloring agent.
RUBBING verb
  1. To move (one object) while maintaining contact with another object over some area, with pressure and friction.
  2. To rub something against (a second thing).
  3. To be rubbed against something.
  4. To spread a substance thinly over; to smear.
  5. To move or pass with difficulty.
  6. To scour; to burnish; to polish; to brighten; to cleanse; often with up or over.
  7. To hinder; to cross; to thwart.
  8. (bowls) To touch the jack with the bowl.

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