using TOCK pin as output?

[droptail]

Pin RA4 is multiplexed with the Timer0 module clock input to become the RA4/T0CKI pin. The RA4/T0CKI pin is a Schmitt Trigger input and an open drain output.

I cannot determine by the data sheet, if the peripheral is enabled by default, and if so, how to disable. This being figured out, will the above description support the desired function, that is open drain output to serout an LCD command?

[droptail]

Yes, it works. This is because the pin has an open drain output rather then the usual bipolar stage of the rest of the output pins. This means it can pull to ground when set to 0, but it will simply float when set to a 1, instead of going high. Somewhat confusing in the data sheet, I believe this is not an optional analog pin, as the rest of PORTA.