The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word STAVED
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
T
A
V
E
D
Buddy explains!
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 STAVED mean?
STAVED verb- To fit or furnish with staves or rundles.
- (usually with 'in') To break in the staves of; to break a hole in; to burst.
- (with 'off') To push, or keep off, as with a staff.
- (usually with 'off') To delay by force or craft; to drive away.
- (rare or archaic) To burst in pieces by striking against something.
- To walk or move rapidly.
- To suffer, or cause to be lost by breaking the cask.
- To render impervious or solid by driving with a calking iron.