Maybe carps a bit (5)
I believe the answer is:
scrap
'a bit' is the definition.
('scrap' can be a synonym of 'bit')
'maybe carps' is the wordplay.
'maybe' indicates an anagram.
'carps' is an anagram of 'SCRAP'.
(Other definitions for scrap that I've seen before include "Discard the small fragment" , "Ditch - dust-up" , "row" , "Small piece; abolish" , "Fight - morsel" .)