The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word AGAS
A
G
A
S
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The straight part
We know that "cookers" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cookers = agas.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 AGAS mean?
AGAS noun- An honorific for high officials used in Turkey and certain Muslim countries.