The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word LINGERS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
L
I
N
G
E
R
S
Buddy explains!

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 LINGERS mean?
LINGERS verb- To stay or remain in a place or situation, especially as if unwilling to depart or not easily able to do so; to loiter.
- To remain alive or existent although still proceeding toward death or extinction; to die gradually.
- (often followed by on) To consider or contemplate for a period of time; to engage in analytic thinking or discussion.