The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word BACKBONE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
A
C
K
B
O
N
E
More clues leading to the result BACKBONE
- Resolution from British, united after reverse
- A column of people
- Courage shown in personal column?
- Rector coming out of cab smash with broken spine
- Supporter behind gets everyone feeling nervous.
- Courage shown in the personal column?
- Part of the skeleton giving firmness of character
- English aristocrat provides support
- Fortitude of player, Britain’s foremost individual
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "A column of people" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a column of people = backbone.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BACKBONE mean?
BACKBONE noun- The series of vertebrae, separated by disks, that encloses and protects the spinal cord, and runs down the middle of the back in vertebrate animals.
- Any fundamental support, structure, or infrastructure.
- Courage, fortitude, or strength.