Couple providing support? (5)
I believe the answer is:
brace
I believe this is a double definition.
'couple' is the first definition.
(brace can mean a pair of something)
'support?' is the second definition.
(I know that brace is a more specific form of the action support)
'providing' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for brace that I've seen before include "Stanchion" , "Support - couple" , "Teeth straightener" , "prepare for impact" , "A pair as of game birds" .)