Square old man caged up zebras out east (5)
I believe the answer is:
plaza
'square' is the definition.
(synonyms)
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for plaza that I've seen before include "Public square, as in Spanish town" , "Public square - shopping centre" , "Hotel" , "Open urban square or public area" , "Public square or market" .)