Prematurely withdraw a bond (4)
I believe the answer is:
bail
'bond' is the definition.
(I know that bond can be written as bail)
'prematurely withdraw a' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'bil' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bail that I've seen before include "Temporary release of one awaiting trial" , "Security for release - part of a wicket" , "Crosspiece in cricket wicket" , "Money lodged to secure release pending trial" , "Temporary release of an accused person on conditions" .)