Steadying rope (3)
I believe the answer is:
guy
'steadying rope' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for guy that I've seen before include "Bonfire night effigy" , "Man; effigy" , "Stay < and make fun" , "Mr Fawkes" , "Make fun of, tent rope" .)