Collect bit by bit (5)
I believe the answer is:
glean
'collect bit by bit' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for glean that I've seen before include "Gradually put together" , "Learn by gathering bits" , "Gather (after reapers)" , "Gather scraps" , "Collect bit by bit, often with difficulty" .)