In due course consume pickle (5)
I believe the answer is:
souse
'pickle' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'in due course consume' is the wordplay.
'in due course' becomes 'so' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'consume' becomes 'use' (use can mean to consume or get through).
'so'+'use'='SOUSE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for souse that I've seen before include "dip" , "Marinate" , "Duck" , "Pickled meat" , "Drench" .)