Bow made of wood, initially pound off (4)

I believe the answer is:

arch

'bow' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for arch that I've seen before include "Curve that spans an opening" , "Curve of the foot" , "Affectedly playful (4)" , "Inner side of foot" , "Mischievous - curve" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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