The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word MAST
M
A
S
T
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The cryptic/wordplay part
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What does MAST mean?
MAST noun- A tall, slim post or tower, usually tapering upward, used to support, for example, the sails on a ship, flags, floodlights, meteorological instruments ,or communications equipment such as an aerial, usually supported by guy-wires.
- A non-judicial punishment ("NJP") disciplinary hearing under which a commanding officer studies and disposes of cases involving those under his command.
- To supply and fit a mast to (a ship).
- The fruit of forest-trees (beech, oak, chestnut, pecan, etc.), especially if having fallen from the tree, used as fodder for pigs and other animals.
- (of swine and other animals) To feed on forest seed or fruit.
- (of a population of plants) To vary fruit and seed production in multi-year cycles.
- A type of heavy cue, with the broad end of which one strikes the ball.