Scottish farmer frequently with monarchs either side (7) Crossword Clue
Answer: CROFTER (7 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Scottish farmer frequently with monarchs either side" with 7 letters is "CROFTER".Crofter is a Scottish farmer who typically works a small rented farm, known as a croft, often in the Highlands or islands of Scotland. The wordplay in the clue hints at “R” (for the monarch, as in Rex or Regina) on either side of “OFTE” (frequently), forming CROFTER.
Why “Crofter” Fits
The clue asks for a 7-letter word defined by Scottish farmer, with neat wordplay in frequently with monarchs either side. The answer, CROFTER, fits well:
- Scottish farmer: A crofter is someone who farms a small rented plot of land (a croft) in Scotland.
- Frequently with monarchs either side: The abbreviation “OFT” means “frequently.” Placing it between two “CR”s (the letters often used for “king/queen,” i.e., monarchs) gives C-ROFT-ER.
This precise construction delivers both a straight definition and satisfying cryptic wordplay.
- A croft is a small agricultural unit in Scotland, traditionally rented and worked by families.
- Crofters often lived in remote rural communities, relying on mixed farming and common grazing rights.
- The system is closely tied to Highland history and identity, especially after the Highland Clearances.
The word “crofter” remains in everyday use in Scotland and surrounding areas, evoking both history and the continuing tradition of crofting communities.
- Many quick and cryptic clues rely on abbreviations (like oft = “frequently”) and symbolic letters (like CR for monarchs, from rex/regina).
- Spotting how wordplay “boxes in” such terms is key to unlocking answers.
Here, recognizing monarchs either side as letters flanking often was the crucial bridge.