The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word FEE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
F
E
E
More clues leading to the result FEE
- Price paid: consider that is pounds short
- Consider reduced payment
- Price of fuel cut
- “Gratis” not right if this applies
- Payment offered on a regular basis
- Supply cut? What's required for reconnection?
- Charge making sense with pound discounted at the end
- Fairy wages?
- Charge less than the whole meal allowance
- Complimentary without right to payment
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "“Gratis” not right if this applies" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case “gratis” not right if this applies = fee.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 FEE mean?
FEE noun- (feudal law) A right to the use of a superior's land, as a stipend for services to be performed; also, the land so held; a fief.
- An inheritable estate in land held of a feudal lord on condition of the performing of certain services.
- An estate of inheritance in land, either absolute and without limitation to any particular class of heirs (fee simple) or limited to a particular class of heirs (fee tail).
- Property; owndom; estate.
- Money paid or bestowed; payment; emolument.
- A prize or reward. Only used in the set phrase "A finder's fee" in Modern English.
- A monetary payment charged for professional services.
- To reward for services performed, or to be performed; to recompense; to hire or keep in hire; hence, to bribe.