The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ABUTMENT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
A
B
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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 ABUTMENT mean?
ABUTMENT noun- The point of junction between two things, in particular a support, that abuts.
- The solid portion of a structure that supports the lateral pressure of an arch or vault.
- A construction that supports the ends of a bridge; a structure that anchors the cables on a suspension bridge.
- The part of a valley or canyon wall against which a dam is constructed.
- Something that abuts, or on which something abuts.
- The state of abutting.
- That element that shares a common boundary or surface with its neighbor.
- The tooth that supports a denture or bridge.
- A fixed point or surface where resistance is obtained.