The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word CROSSBOW
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
R
O
S
S
B
O
W
More clues leading to the result CROSSBOW
- Peevish, formal greeting, showing arm
- Go over part of East End showing weapon
- Peevish with formal greeting showing arm
- Crucifix with bend in arm
- Firing weapon, one flying straight over ship, then boat cut in half
- Hybrid front weapon
- Irritable crook sets off a quarrel
- Angry lad almost gets wife’s weapon
- Weapon‘s thwarted greeting?
- This can shoot down Spooner’s top boast
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Weapon" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case weapon = crossbow.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 CROSSBOW mean?
CROSSBOW noun- A mechanised weapon, based on the bow and arrow, that shoots bolts.
- A portable ballista that can be held in the hand.