TIED plus a 4 letter word equals the answer.
-1. TIED + distribute cards (4) = Assigned a task (to a soldier)
-2. TIED + the period just before Easter (4) = having a right to (something)
-3. TIED + spoil (4) = Less neat
4. TIED + actual (4) = Sold to the public
-5. TIED + void's companion (4) = Not ready for planting
-6. TIED + head of a university faculty (4) = Held by the police
7. TIED + take a break (4) = Most weary
-8. TIED + ancient Norse or Germanic letter (4) = Got together again
9. TIED + close by (4) = Kept
-10. TIED + spiked weapon, or a spice (4) = Destroy a large number