The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word BILLHOOK
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
B
I
L
L
H
O
O
K
More clues leading to the result BILLHOOK
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Pruning tool" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case pruning tool = billhook.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 BILLHOOK mean?
BILLHOOK noun- A medieval polearm with a similar construct, fitted to a long handle, sometimes with an L-shaped tine or a spike protruding from the side or the end of the blade for tackling the opponent; a bill
- An agricultural implement often with a curved or hooked end to the blade used for pruning or cutting thick, woody plants.
- Written as bill-hook: a part of the knotting mechanism in a reaper-binder or baler (agricultural machinery).
- Written as bill hook: a spiked hook used in offices and shops for hanging bills or other small papers such as receipts.
- Written as bill hook: a sharply pointed spike growing from the tip of the upper mandible of the hatchlings of honeyguides, used to destroy the eggs and kill the chicks of the host species.
- To use a billhook