The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word BATED
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More clues leading to the result BATED
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "held" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case held = bated.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 BATED mean?
BATED verb- To reduce the force of something; to abate.
- To restrain, usually with the sense of being in anticipation
- (sometimes figurative) To cut off, remove, take away.
- To leave out, except, bar.
- To waste away.
- To deprive of.
- To lessen by retrenching, deducting, or reducing; to abate; to beat down; to lower.
- To allow by way of abatement or deduction.
- To contend or strive with blows or arguments.
- Of a falcon: To flap the wings vigorously; to bait.
- To soak leather so as to remove chemicals used in tanning; to steep in bate.
- To masturbate.
- Reduced; lowered; restrained