The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word FOLK
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
F
O
L
K
More clues leading to the result FOLK
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "People/17" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case people/17 = folk.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 FOLK mean?
FOLK noun- A grouping of smaller peoples or tribes as a nation.
- The inhabitants of a region, especially the native inhabitants.
- (plural: folks) One’s relatives, especially one’s parents.
- Folk music.
- People in general.
- A particular group of people.
- Of or pertaining to the inhabitants of a land, their culture, tradition, or history.
- Of or pertaining to common people as opposed to ruling classes or elites.
- Of or related to local building materials and styles.
- Believed or transmitted by the common people; not academically correct or rigorous.