The trade of a drifter, maybe? (5)
I believe the answer is:
craft
'the trade' is the definition.
('craft' can be a synonym of 'trade')
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for craft that I've seen before include "Dexterity" , "Vehicle for water or air" , "Skilled occupation or small boat" , "practical skill" , "Art; skilled trade" .)