Only a handful (3)
I believe the answer is:
few
'only a handful' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for few that I've seen before include "Indefinite small amount" , "Not many, just a handful" , "Only one or two" , "Hardly anyone" , "'''Many are called but ... are chosen'' (Bible) (3)'" .)