The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word COOP
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
O
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More clues leading to the result COOP
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The straight part
We know that "box of chickens" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case box of chickens = coop.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 COOP mean?
COOP noun- A basket, pen or enclosure for birds or small animals.
- A wickerwork basket (kipe) or other enclosure for catching fish.
- A narrow place of confinement, a cage; a jail, a prison.
- A barrel or cask for holding liquids.
- To keep in a coop.
- To shut up or confine in a narrow space; to cramp.
- To unlawfully confine one or more voters to prevent them from casting their ballots in an election.
- (law enforcement) Of a police officer: to sleep or relax while on duty.
- To make or repair barrels, casks and other wooden vessels; to work upon in the manner of a cooper.
- A cart with sides and ends made from boards, enabling it to carry manure, etc.
- A cart which opens at the back to release its load; a tumbril.
- A small heap.
- A unit of a housing co-operative; a purchased apartment where the apartment owners collectively are responsible for maintenance of common areas and upkeep.
- Any co-operative, including housing, retail, utility, agricultural, banking or worker cooperatives.
- Any shop owned by a co-operative.
- A co-operative game, as opposed to a competitive game or deathmatch.