Gossip is something Jack Sprat refused to do (4,3,3)

I believe the answer is:

chew the fat

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'gossip' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for chew the fat that I've seen before include "Chat leisurely; the few chat (anagram)" , "Mistress Sprat liked to?" , "Mrs Sprat liked to" , "Indulge in idle conversation" , "Argue incessantly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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