Feeling Cross: Solution

By Grant Elliott

Answer: AUSTERE TYPEFACE

This is a diagramless criss-cross in braille, with single dot resolution, so frames can be aligned differently and intersections do not necessarily represent the same letter(s) in both words. The “apropos” clues all refer to blind characters. The given numbers are just standard crossword numbering.

That task complete, simply record the areas of the block squares around the perimeter of the puzzle, as hinted by 20 down. For instance, an unused space of area 1 would correspond to A, an unused space of area 20 would correspond to T, and so on. Reading clockwise from the upper right corner, they spell AUSTERE TYPEFACE, which braille certainly is.

Crossword clue answers and completed grids follow below:

Across

Numbering	Clue	Answer	Answer length
7	Expectant mother (2 words)	PREGNANTWOMAN	13
8	Stylishly luxurious	POSH	4
10	Not near	FAR	3
12	Apropos superhero	DAREDEVIL	9
14	Animal-filled attraction	ZOO	3
15	Proteges and Tributes	MAZDAS	6
17	Leftover or bonus	EXTRA	5
18	It may be criminal or supreme	COURT	5
19	Apropos Enterprise officer (last name)	LAFORGE	7
23	Measure of distance or beer	YARD	4
24	Apropos rock opera character	TOMMY	5
25	Affirmative	YES	3
26	Riceless preparation of 27-Across	SASHIMI	7
27	Gold or cat, for example	FISH	4

Down

Numbering	Clue	Answer	Answer length
1	Container for three men	TUB	3
2	Positions in the armed forces	RANKS	5
3	You and I	WE	2
4	One who plays CDs	DJ	2
5	Zags’ partner	ZIGS	4
6	TV sports award	ESPY	4
9	Like some TVs before 4K	HD	2
10	Came into bloom	FLOWERED	8
11	“I do,” for example	VOW	3
13	Vertical line on a toggle switch	ON	2
15	Violent chaos	MAYHEM	6
16	Personal icon, online	AVATAR	6
19	Guitar predecessor	LUTE	4
20	Slight advantage, or where your answer lies	EDGE	4
21	Wise bird	OWL	3
22	Egg cells	OVA	3

Braille grid

Reading Across clues

Reading Down clues