The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word TRUSSING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Binding" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case binding = trussing.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 TRUSSING mean?
TRUSSING verb- To tie up a bird before cooking it.
- To secure or bind with ropes.
- To support.
- To take fast hold of; to seize and hold firmly; to pounce upon.
- To strengthen or stiffen, as a beam or girder, by means of a brace or braces.
- To execute by hanging; to hang; usually with up.
- The timbers, etc., that form a truss.
- The art of stiffening or bracing a set of timbers, etc., by putting in struts, ties, etc., until it has something of the character of a truss.
- The act of a hawk or other bird of prey in seizing its quarry and soaring into the air with it.