The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word STELE
S
T
E
L
E
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The straight part
We know that "column" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case column = stele.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 STELE mean?
STELE noun- Something stale; a loaf of bread or the like that is no longer fresh.
- A long, thin handle (of rakes, axes, etc.)
- The posts and rungs composing a ladder.
- The stem of a plant.
- The shaft of an arrow, spear, etc.
- A fixed position, particularly a soldier's in a battle-line.
- A stalemate; a stalemated game.
- An ambush.
- A band of armed men or hunters.
- The main force of an army.
- (livestock) Urine, especially used of horses and cattle.
- A live bird to lure birds of prey or others of its kind into a trap.
- Any lure, particularly in reference to people used as live bait.
- An accomplice of a thief or criminal acting as bait.
- A partner whose beloved abandons or torments him in favor of another.
- A patsy, a pawn, someone used under some false pretext to forward another's (usu. sinister) designs; a stalking horse.
- A prostitute of the lowest sort; any wanton woman.
- Any decoy, either stuffed or manufactured.
- An upright (or formerly upright) slab containing engraved or painted decorations or inscriptions; a stela.
- Any carved or engraved surface.
- An acroterion, the decoration on the ridge of an ancient Greek building such as a temple.
- The central core of a plant's root and stem system, especially including the vascular tissue and developed from the plerome.