Consumed less than nine, say (3)
I believe the answer is:
ate
'consumed' is the definition.
(to eat is to consume food)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ate that I've seen before include "Had at meal" , "Munched" , "Devoured" , "Greek goddess of mischief" , "Tea (anag.)" .)