This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, February 19, 2026 (56 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 3 squares
First letter
O _ _
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About the answer
ORC as a word: (fantasy, mythology) A mythical evil monstrous humanoid creature, usually quite aggressive and often green; (slang, derogatory) A Russian soldier or gangster.
ORC has been an answer 10 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 15, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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