The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word TUCK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
T
U
C
K
More clues leading to the result TUCK
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Gather/friar/eats in school" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case gather/friar/eats in school = tuck.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 TUCK mean?
TUCK noun- An act of tucking; a pleat or fold.
- A fold in fabric that has been stitched in place from end to end, as to reduce the overall dimension of the fabric piece.
- A curled position.
- A plastic surgery technique to remove excess skin.
- (piano, when playing scales on piano keys) The act of keeping the thumb in position while moving the rest of the hand over it to continue playing keys that are outside the thumb.
- A curled position, with the shins held towards the body.
- The afterpart of a ship, immediately under the stern or counter, where the ends of the bottom planks are collected and terminate by the tuck-rail.
- To pull or gather up (an item of fabric).
- To push into a snug position; to place somewhere safe or somewhat hidden.
- (often with "in" or "into") To eat; to consume.
- To fit neatly.
- To curl into a ball; to fold up and hold one's legs.
- To sew folds; to make a tuck or tucks in.
- To full, as cloth.
- (of a drag queen, trans woman, etc.) To conceal one’s penis and testicles, as with a gaff or by fastening them down with adhesive tape.
- (when playing scales on piano keys) To keep the thumb in position while moving the rest of the hand over it to continue playing keys that are outside the thumb.
- A rapier, a sword.
- The beat of a drum.
- Food, especially snack food.