The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word HOOD
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
H
O
O
D
More clues leading to the result HOOD
- Top cover for American district gangster
- Gangster — one who wrote poems
- In future stretcher bearer maybe ought initially to provide cover
- Criminal hiding ring in trough
- Folk hero‘s bonnet
- Protective cover for outlaw or gangster
- American gangster, legendary outlaw
- Gangster to take drugs, holding nothing back
- Covering for head gangster
- Gas inhaled by heavy-duty criminal
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Top cover/for American district/gangster" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case top cover/for american district/gangster = hood.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 HOOD mean?
HOOD noun- A covering for the head attached to a larger garment such as a jacket or cloak.
- A distinctively coloured fold of material, representing a university degree.
- An enclosure that protects something, especially from above.
- A soft top of a convertible car or carriage.
- The hinged cover over the engine of a motor vehicle: known as a bonnet in other countries.
- A metal covering that leads to a vent to suck away smoke or fumes.
- To cover something with a hood.
- Gangster, thug.
- Neighborhood.
- Relating to inner-city everyday life, both positive and negative aspects; especially people’s attachment to and love for their neighborhoods.
- Person wearing a hoodie.