The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TRAMPED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
T
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Trudged" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case trudged = tramped.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 TRAMPED mean?
TRAMPED verb- To walk with heavy footsteps.
- To walk for a long time (usually through difficult terrain).
- To hitchhike.
- To tread upon forcibly and repeatedly; to trample.
- To travel or wander through.
- To cleanse, as clothes, by treading upon them in water.