The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word MOAT
M
O
A
T
More clues leading to the result MOAT
- Ditch defence seen on outskirts of Montserrat
- Man turned up, crossing a defensive ditch
- Atom bombs? Ring for security
- Short time at defensive ditch
- Old bird beginning to twitch in ditch
- Possible castle fortification said to be minor blemish
- One has ditchwater? There’s nothing that’s dull about it!
- Defence system that’s used in wrestling around ring
- All-round defence in depth?
- Defence bird once needed, ending in court
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "ditch" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case ditch = moat.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 MOAT mean?
MOAT noun- A deep, wide defensive ditch, normally filled with water, surrounding a fortified habitation.
- An aspect of a business which makes it more "defensible" from competitors, either because of the nature of its products, services, franchise or other reason.
- A circular lowland between a resurgent dome and the walls of the caldera surrounding it.
- A hill or mound.
- To surround with a moat.