Crossword Genius

Used to be binding, only disused (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

obsolete

'disused' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'used to be binding only' is the wordplay.
'used' is an anagram indicator.
'binding' is an insertion indicator.
'only' becomes 'sole' (synonyms).
'to'+'be'='tobe'
'tobe' is an anagram of 'obte'.
'obte' placed around 'sole' is 'OBSOLETE'.

(Other definitions for obsolete that I've seen before include "No longer useful" , "Discontinued" , "Outdated" , "Antiquated" , "Pass" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.