Consumed fewer than nine, say (3)

I believe the answer is:

ate

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'consumed' is the definition.
(to eat is to consume food)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for ate that I've seen before include "included in one's diet" , "Had at meal" , "Munched" , "Devoured" , "Took food" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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