Stock English witticism (5)
I believe the answer is:
equip
'stock' is the definition.
(I know that stock is a more specific form of the action equip)
'english witticism' is the wordplay.
'english' becomes 'E' (abbreviation).
'witticism' becomes 'quip' (I've seen this in another clue).
'e'+'quip'='EQUIP'
(Other definitions for equip that I've seen before include "Supply (with items)" , "Provide everything that is required'" , "Give what's needed" , "Furnish with supplies" , "Give everything needed" .)