The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word WELT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
W
E
L
T
More clues leading to the result WELT
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "leather strip" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case leather strip = welt.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 WELT mean?
WELT verb- To roll; revolve
- A ridge or lump on the skin, as caused by a blow; a wheal or weal.
- (shoemaking) A strip of leather set into the seam between the outsole of a shoe and the upper, through which these parts are joined by stitching or stapling.
- A strip of material or covered cord applied to a seam or garment edge to strengthen or cover it.
- In steam boilers and sheet-iron work, a strip riveted upon the edges of plates that form a butt joint.
- In carpentry, a strip of wood fastened over a flush seam or joint, or an angle, to strengthen it.
- In machine-made stockings, a strip, or flap, of which the heel is formed.
- A narrow border, as of an ordinary, but not extending around the ends.
- A feature resembling a welt.
- To cause to have welts, to beat.
- To install welt (a welt or welts) to reinforce.
- To decay.
- To become stringy.