The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word PROBATION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
P
R
O
B
A
T
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result PROBATION
- Testing time for one at crease, one performing
- Testing time for son escaping stronghold
- Before noon, steal into courtyard on which criminals get out
- Test elastic bra and top on one running
- Testing old boy in parking lot
- Trying time for a beginner
- Trial for stroke-player joining one cricket side
- Trial period for one breaking wand
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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 PROBATION mean?
PROBATION noun- A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may easily be removed for poor performance
- A type of sentence where convicted criminals are allowed to continue living in the community but will automatically be sent to jail if they violate certain conditions
- The act of testing; proof