Spread ancient education at first (5)
I believe the answer is:
paste
'spread' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'ancient education at first' is the wordplay.
'ancient' becomes 'past' (similar in meaning).
'at first' suggests taking the first letters.
The first letter of 'education' is 'e'.
'past'+'e'='PASTE'
(Other definitions for paste that I've seen before include "Liquid glue" , "Adhesive; imitation gem" , "Creamy, sticky, or doughy mixture" , "Adhesive gum" , "Hit" .)