The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word FORT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
F
O
R
T
More clues leading to the result FORT
- Reportedly battled in stronghold
- Did battle, reportedly, in old trading station
- Keep Foreign Office right
- Foxtrot and tango as alternatives in soldiers’ place?
- Keep half or third, but not all
- Military building supporting regiment finally
- Strong position seen in one part of London paper, initially
- Stronghold engaged in conflict, we hear
- A tip from fantasist in castle, perhaps
- Number slightly reduced in citadel
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Keep" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case keep = fort.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 FORT mean?
FORT noun- A fortified defensive structure stationed with troops.
- Any permanent army post.
- An outlying trading-station, as in British North America.
- To create a fort, fortifications, a strong point, or a redoubt.