The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SHOULDER
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
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More clues leading to the result SHOULDER
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Bear" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bear = shoulder.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 SHOULDER mean?
SHOULDER noun- The part of an animal's body between the base of the neck and forearm socket.
- Anything forming a shape resembling a human shoulder.
- (topography) A shelf between two levels.
- The flat portion of type that is below the bevelled portion that joins up with the face.
- (of an object) The portion between the neck and the body.
- That which supports or sustains; support.
- The part of a key between the cuts and the bow.
- To push (a person or thing) using one's shoulder.
- To put (something) on one's shoulders.
- To place (something) against one's shoulders.
- To bear a burden, as a financial obligation.
- To accept responsibility for.
- To form a shape resembling a shoulder.
- To move by or as if by using one's shoulders.
- To round and slightly raise the top edges of slate shingles so that they form a tighter fit at the lower edge and can be swung aside to expose the nail.
- To slope downwards from the crest and whitewater portion of a wave.