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The hackneyed variant involving "Volume 1 of the encyclopedia" (ATOM) seems no less common.

Here it is again today in the Times, geeker:

Only half the characters, little matter (4)

Let me know if you need a hint. 😉

Another outing in Azed 2571, 31a.
Nothing held in palm, or tiny amount (4)

At least it took quite a different approach. It would have been a worthy competitor last week.

Another 4 letter small thing in the Guardian today, I immediately thought of iota/atom but it wasn’t to be…
Tiniest particle in balance (8)

Mathprof, I wondered if “nothing in Lancashire” translated on your side of the pond?

Jon, I had the same thought when I saw that clue. As to your question, never saw the word before. The 2, 12 combo was a phrase I had never come across as well.