The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word PILASTER
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
P
I
L
A
S
T
E
R
More clues leading to the result PILASTER
- Material for cast includes Pinter’s second column
- Column I bandaged?
- Column only remaining in support for bridge
- Projecting column I coated in stucco
- Column I covered in stucco
- Column places upright character in smear
- Persist in support for architectural feature
- I tucked into cake decoration on the outside
- Hack lies with part in column
- Smear’s written about head of industry in column
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "decoration on the outside" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case decoration on the outside = pilaster.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 PILASTER mean?
PILASTER noun- A rectangular column that projects partially from the wall to which it attached; it gives the appearance of a support, but is only for decoration.
- A column or short wing wall attached to the foundation wall which provides lateral support, or to support a vertical load that does not fall on the foundation wall.