The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word STELA
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
S
T
E
L
A
More clues leading to the result STELA
- Special number to ring on a tablet
- Accumulated debris in South Africa reveals stone slab
- Fresh tales required for long-standing column
- . Decorated column found in wasteland
- Originally stone tablet erected, looking ancient
- We should put up a standing stone
- Drink’s getting served up – patient finally swallowed tablet
- Allows to climb a stone slab
- Retract leases on a slab
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "long-standing column" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case long-standing column = stela.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 STELA mean?
STELA noun- An obelisk or upright stone pillar, usually as a primitive commemoration or gravestone