Provider of gourd needs to check one with external slash (8)

'provider of gourd needs' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'check one with external slash' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'check' could be 'curb' ('curb' can be a synonym of 'check') and 'curb' is found in the answer.
'one' could be 'i' (Roman numeral) and 'i' is found within the answer.
'slash' could be 'cut' ('cut' can be a synonym of 'slash') and 'cut' is found within the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?