☞ Turn to page 165 for the solution to MegaXword 188, and to page 176 for entry details and winners’ names.
ACROSS
1. Medieval farm worker
6. Secede (5,4)
11. Ham it up (4-3)
15. Surmise
16. Model
17. Mollify
18. Efficient
21. Great applause
22. Proclamation
23. Evaded (capture)
24. Flounce
28. Gentle strokes
30. Female servant
32. Stingier
35. Skips
37. Pedicured item
38. Yoghurt sauce
40. Make fresh appraisal
43. Probe
