The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word VALENTINE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
V
A
L
E
N
T
I
N
E
More clues leading to the result VALENTINE
- Speed worked for this gentleman
- Venetian lover’s first, tragic sweetheart
- Drunk venetian left an anonymous message
- One of 27 2 23 somewhat prevalent in Eden
- Shakespeare role‘s somewhat ambivalent in execution
- Sweetheart, conceited, holds fast to sweetheart
- Sweetheart conceited European holds fast
- Virginia’s deceptively lenient sweetheart
- A period of denial at home in the midst of a famous victory
- Abstinence accepted by useless English lover
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "sweetheart" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sweetheart = valentine.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 VALENTINE mean?
VALENTINE noun- An expression of affection, especially romantic affection, usually in the form of greeting card, gift, or message given the object of one's affection, especially on February 14th.
- A person to whom a valentine is given or from whom it is received, especially on February 14th.