Undergraduates, maybe, of French engaged in antics (8)
I believe the answer is:
students
'undergraduates' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'of french engaged in antics' is the wordplay.
'of french' becomes 'de' ('of' in French).
'engaged in' is an insertion indicator.
'antics' becomes 'stunts' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'de' inserted into 'stunts' is 'STUDENTS'.
'maybe' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for students that I've seen before include "Sent dust to those who learn" , "Trainee medics possibly" , "Pupils, learners" , "Learners as at school" , "Pupils or apprentices" .)