The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word ATHENAEUM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
A
T
H
E
N
A
E
U
M
More clues leading to the result ATHENAEUM
- At that time a group of nations invested in American club
- Articles by retired chap about Brussels club?
- Chap nearer us oddly entering hole-in-the-wall club
- Translated English at humane learning institute
- Articles on European Union kept by fellow returning to old seat of learning
- Club menu the AA changed
- He-men at a dance outside university club in London
- A new menu Thea provided for the club
- Club menu the AA had changed?
- Two articles on a menu revised in London club
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "old seat of learning" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case old seat of learning = athenaeum.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ATHENAEUM mean?
ATHENAEUM noun- A temple primarily dedicated to Athena or her Roman equivalent Minerva, especially that of Athens.
- An association for the advancement of learning, particularly in science or literature.
- The reading room or library of such an association; any reading room or library.
- A literary or scientific periodical, especially one similar to the London Athenaeum.