Mere mockery of a meal? (5)
I believe the answer is:
scoff
'mere mockery' is the definition.
'scoff' can be an answer for 'mockery' (synonyms). I am not certain of the 'mere' bit.
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scoff that I've seen before include "Speak contemptuously or drink informally" , "Furiously swallow" , "food on offer" , "Quickly swallow" , "Speak derisively" .)