Meat from a deli’s former branches (8)
I believe the answer is:
pastrami
'meat from a deli's' is the definition.
'pastrami' can be an answer for 'meat' (pastrami is a kind of meat). I am not certain of the 'from a deli's' bit.
'former branches' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'past' (similar in meaning).
'branches' becomes 'rami' (I've seen this in another clue).
'past'+'rami'='PASTRAMI'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pastrami that I've seen before include "Spiced sliced beef" , "Meat dish" , "Highly seasoned cut of smoked beef" , "Spiced smoked beef" , "Spicy smoked beef" .)