The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word VIGNETTES
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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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 VIGNETTES mean?
VIGNETTES noun- A running ornament consisting of leaves and tendrils, used in Gothic architecture.
- A decorative design, originally representing vine branches or tendrils, at the head of a chapter, of a manuscript or printed book, or in a similar position.
- (by extension) Any small borderless picture in a book, especially an engraving, photograph, or the like, which vanishes gradually at the edge.
- (by extension) A short story or anecdote that presents a scene or tableau, or paints a picture.
- The central pictorial image on a postage stamp.
- The characteristic of a camera lens, either by deficiency in design or by mismatch of the lens with the film format, to produce an image smaller than the film's frame with a crudely focused border. Photographers may deliberately choose this characteristic for a special effect.
- A small sticker affixed to a vehicle windscreen to indicate that tolls have been paid.
- To make, as an engraving or a photograph, with a border or edge gradually fading away.