The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SPARRING
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
S
P
A
R
R
I
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G
More clues leading to the result SPARRING
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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 SPARRING mean?
SPARRING verb- To bolt, bar.
- To supply or equip (a vessel) with spars.
- To fight, especially as practice for martial arts or hand-to-hand combat.
- To strike with the feet or spurs, as cocks do.
- To contest in words; to wrangle.
- The act of one who spars.