The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word DEXTER*
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
D
E
X
T
E
R
*
Buddy explains!

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 DEXTER* mean?
DEXTER* noun- The right side of a shield from the wearer's standpoint, and the left side to the viewer.
- The right hand.
- Right; on the right-hand side.