Cryptic crossword clue
Vessels answer with speed, oars flying 8

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word AMPHORAS

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
A
M
P
H
O
R
A
S

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Vessels" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case vessels = amphoras.
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 AMPHORAS mean?

AMPHORAS noun
  1. A two-handled jar with a narrow neck that was used in ancient times to store or carry wine or oil.
  2. One of various units for measuring liquid or volume during the Roman Empire, measuring between 18.5 and 39 litres depending on the variant.
  3. Ancient unit of volume, for the measurement of the internal capacity of a ship.
  4. In botany, the lower valve of the fruit that opens transversely.

Latest crossword clues with full explanations