The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SERVITUDE
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
E
R
V
I
T
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D
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Bondage" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bondage = servitude.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 SERVITUDE mean?
SERVITUDE noun- The state of being a slave; slavery.
- A qualified beneficial interest severed or fragmented from the ownership of an inferior property and attached to a superior property or to some person other than the owner; the most common form is an easement.
- Service rendered in the army or navy.
- Servants collectively.
- The act of serving (food or drink, etc.); service.