Avoiding river, lug a spruce cut for roof support (8)

I believe the answer is:

caryatid

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'support' is the definition.
(I know that caryatid is a type of column)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for caryatid that I've seen before include "supporting woman that's stony" , "Column in shape of woman" , "Sculptured female figure as support pillar" , "Pillar in female form" , "Column in female form" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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