The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SCANTLING
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
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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 SCANTLING mean?
SCANTLING noun- (chiefly in the plural) The set size or dimension of a piece of timber, stone etc., or materials used to build ships or aircraft.
- A small portion, a scant amount.
- A small, upright beam of timber used in construction, especially less than five inches square.
- Timber in the form of small beams and pieces.
- A rough draught; a crude sketch or outline.
- A frame for casks to lie upon; a trestle.
- Not plentiful; small; scanty.