Strippers could be coppers (7)
I believe the answer is:
peelers
'strippers' is the definition.
('peeler' can be a synonym of 'stripper')
'be coppers' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'coppers' could be 'p' and 'p' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'eelers' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'could' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for peelers that I've seen before include "domestic appliances" , "Old law" .)