Reportedly, scribbled it down having used mechanical method to memorize it? (4)
I believe the answer is:
rote
'it down having used mechanical method to memorize it?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'reportedly scribbled' is the wordplay.
'reportedly' shows a homophone (sound like).
'scribbled' becomes 'wrote' (I've seen this in another clue).
'wrote' is a homophone of 'ROTE'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rote that I've seen before include "Unthinking repetition" , "Mechanical repetition (as a means of learning)" , "Mechanical routine" , "mindless activity?" , "Repetition for learners" .)