The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word APPLY
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
A
P
P
L
Y
More clues leading to the result APPLY
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "double defn.?/use" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case double defn.?/use = apply.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 APPLY mean?
APPLY verb- To lay or place; to put (one thing to another)
- To put to use; to use or employ for a particular purpose, or in a particular case
- To make use of, declare, or pronounce, as suitable, fitting, or relative
- To put closely; to join; to engage and employ diligently, or with attention
- To to address; to refer; generally used reflexively.
- To submit oneself as a candidate (with the adposition "to" designating the recipient of the submission, and the adposition "for" designating the position).
- To pertain or be relevant to a specified individual or group.
- To busy; to keep at work; to ply.
- To visit.
- Resembling apples, apple-like.
- Of, or pertaining to, apples.