The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word COUNTERFEITS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
C
O
U
N
T
E
R
F
E
I
T
S
More clues leading to the result COUNTERFEITS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "S" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case s = counterfeits.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 COUNTERFEITS mean?
COUNTERFEITS noun- A non-genuine article; a fake.
- One who counterfeits; a counterfeiter.
- That which resembles another thing; a likeness; a portrait; a counterpart.
- An impostor; a cheat.
- To falsely produce what appears to be official or valid; to produce a forged copy of.
- To produce a faithful copy of.
- To feign; to mimic.
- (usually "be counterfeited") Of a turn or river card, to invalidate a player's hand by making a better hand on the board.