ABAD

Set to 3 different clues across 5 published puzzles, most often “In ___ way” — The New York Times, Thursday, 8 September 2005.

4 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

In ___ way3 times
The New York Times — Thursday, 8 September 2005
"Born Under ___ Sign" (1960s blues album)once
The New York Times — Sunday, 16 December 2007
Have _____ hair dayonce
The New York Times — Wednesday, 28 December 1994