The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word MILCH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
M
I
L
C
H
Buddy explains!

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 MILCH mean?
MILCH adjective- (of a cow, animal, etc.) Giving milk; in note
- Tender; pitiful; weeping.