The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SCALLYWAG
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
S
C
A
L
L
Y
W
A
G
More clues leading to the result SCALLYWAG
- Rascal caught accomplice dipping into booty
- Rogue caught accomplice dividing spoils
- Dissolute Wally traded in heroin
- Rogue caught mate dividing loot
- Villain caught associate surrounded by proceeds of robbery
- Scoundrel‘s stolen goods including ring and yen
- Reprobate, name unknown, wearing stolen gear
- Rascal in depression having caught colleague with wife
- Good-for-nothing caught by friend wearing stolen goods
- Rogue caught accomplice dividing plunder
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Villain" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case villain = scallywag.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 SCALLYWAG mean?
SCALLYWAG noun- A disreputable fellow, a good-for-nothing, a scapegrace, a blackguard
- A badly behaved person, especially a child; a mischief-maker; a rascal