A beam of boxwood? (4)
I believe the answer is:
spar
'a beam' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spar that I've seen before include "dispute" , "Engage in argument" , "Pole used to support sails or rigging" , "Go a few rounds with the ship's pole" , "Box (gently) - fight (verbally)" .)