The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word TUFT
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
T
U
F
T
More clues leading to the result TUFT
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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 TUFT mean?
TUFT noun- A bunch of feathers, grass or hair, etc., held together at the base.
- A cluster of threads drawn tightly through upholstery, a mattress or a quilt, etc., to secure and strengthen the padding.
- A small clump of trees or bushes.
- A gold tassel on the cap worn by titled undergraduates at English universities.
- A person entitled to wear such a tassel.
- To provide or decorate with a tuft or tufts.
- To form into tufts.
- To secure and strengthen (a mattress, quilt, etc.) with tufts.
- To be formed into tufts.