The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word RIBBING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
R
I
B
B
I
N
G
More clues leading to the result RIBBING
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 RIBBING mean?
RIBBING verb- To shape, support, or provide something with a rib or ribs.
- To tease or make fun of someone in a good-natured way.
- To enclose, as if with ribs, and protect; to shut in.
- To leave strips of undisturbed ground between the furrows in ploughing (land).
- The action of the verb to rib.
- A rib, or the collective ribs, on an object.
- An instance of teasing.