Enter a clue or pattern or both:
The Clue
Gangster's practice (9 letter answer)
The Answer
SHAKEDOWN
Tags
Notes
The answer SHAKEDOWN is so rare that it appears less than once every 2500 puzzles.
Definition
SHAKEDOWN as a noun:
1. initial adjustments to improve the functioning or the efficiency and to bring to a more satisfactory state; "the new industry's economic shakedown"
2. a very thorough search of a person or a place; "a shakedown by the police uncovered the drugs"
3. extortion of money (as by blackmail)
SHAKEDOWN as an adjective:
1. intended to test a new system under operating conditions and to familiarize the operators with the system; "a shakedown cruise"