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Letter bound to have shown sympathy (6)

Ross
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This clue could be a double definition.

'letter bound' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'shown sympathy' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I don't see how they can define each other.

'to have' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for girded that I've seen is " Encircled or attached with band".)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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