The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word DROVES
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The straight part
We know that "gatherings" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case gatherings = droves.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 DROVES mean?
DROVES noun- A number of cattle driven to market or new pastures.
- (usually in the plural) A large number of people on the move (literally or figuratively).
- (collective) A group of hares.
- A road or track along which cattle are habitually driven.
- A narrow drain or channel used in the irrigation of land.
- A broad chisel used to bring stone to a nearly smooth surface.
- The grooved surface of stone finished by the drove chisel.
- To herd cattle; particularly over a long distance.
- To finish (stone) with a drove chisel.