The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word FRANKLIN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
F
R
A
N
K
L
I
N
More clues leading to the result FRANKLIN
- First of fibs by annoyin' tale-teller
- Tale-teller and diarist taking nothing back
- In truth, not entirely popular American politician
- Founding father‘s honest, nothing being overturned
- Tale-teller is candid, love being rejected
- Soul sister‘s founding father
- Open zip setback for soul singer
- Old landowner, loud and causing anger, no end
- American statesman‘s honest policy ignored by English
- A founding father who demanded respect?
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Tale-teller" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case tale-teller = franklin.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 FRANKLIN mean?
FRANKLIN noun- A freeholder, especially as belonging to a class of landowners in the 14th and 15th century ranking below the gentry.