Period after Mardi Gras (4)
I believe the answer is:
lent
'period after mardi gras' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for lent that I've seen before include "Loaned; a fast" , "Gave for a limited period" , "Christian period of abstinence" , "days before Easter" , "Provided loans" .)