Crossword Genius

What old scholars often dipped into (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inkwell

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'what old' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'scholars often dipped into' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'scholars' could be 'll' (an abbreviation for lecturer written twice) and 'll' is located in the answer.
'into' could be 'in' and 'in' is found within the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for inkwell that I've seen before include "It holds writing fluid" , "Reservoir for writing fluid" , "Container for writing fluid" , "Small pot for holding writing fluid" , "Writing fluid holder" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app