Pre-Easter period (4)
I believe the answer is:
'pre-easter period' 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" , "Pre-Easter period" , "Period of fasting" , "Period of penance" , "Gave the use of for a time" .)