Many cross receiving pound gratuity (8)
I believe the answer is:
multiple
'many' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'cross receiving pound gratuity' is the wordplay.
'cross' becomes 'mule' (I've seen this before).
'receiving' is an insertion indicator.
'pound' becomes 'L' (the pound sign is based on an L).
'gratuity' becomes 'tip' (synonyms).
'l'+'tip'='ltip'
'mule' enclosing 'ltip' is 'MULTIPLE'.
(Other definitions for multiple that I've seen before include "Having more than one part" , "Involving or consisting of more than one" , "Having or involving many parts" , "Manifold; numerous" , "Having many parts or components" .)