The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TUCKING
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "gathering" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case gathering = tucking.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 TUCKING mean?
TUCKING verb- To pull or gather up (an item of fabric).
- To push into a snug position; to place somewhere safe or somewhat hidden.
- (often with "in" or "into") To eat; to consume.
- To fit neatly.
- To curl into a ball; to fold up and hold one's legs.
- To sew folds; to make a tuck or tucks in.
- To full, as cloth.
- (of a drag queen, trans woman, etc.) To conceal one’s penis and testicles, as with a gaff or by fastening them down with adhesive tape.
- (when playing scales on piano keys) To keep the thumb in position while moving the rest of the hand over it to continue playing keys that are outside the thumb.
- A tuck.