The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 3 letter word VAT
V
A
T
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The straight part
We know that "bath" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case bath = vat.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 VAT mean?
VAT noun- A large tub, such as is used for making wine or for tanning.
- A square, hollow place on the back of a calcining furnace, where tin ore is laid to dry.
- A vessel for holding holy water.
- A liquid measure and dry measure; especially, a liquid measure in Belgium and Holland, corresponding to the hectolitre of the metric system, which contains 22.01 imperial gallons, or 26.4 standard gallons in the United States. (The old Dutch grain vat averaged 0.762 Winchester bushel. The old London coal vat contained 9 bushels. The solid-measurement vat of Amsterdam contains 40 cubic feet; the wine vat, 241.57 imperial gallons, and the vat for olive oil, 225.45 imperial gallons.)
- To put into a vat.
- To blend (wines or spirits) in a vat; figuratively, to mix or blend elements as if with wines or spirits.