Crossword Genius

A rascal holds instalments irregularly dispensing cash to educators (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

academics

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'educators' is the definition.
(academic is a kind of educator)

'a rascal holds instalments irregularly dispensing cash' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'a' is present in the answer.
'rascal' could be 'cad' (I've seen this in another clue) and 'cad' is present in the answer.
'cash' could be 'c' and 'c' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for academics that I've seen before include "scholars" , "Educators at college or university" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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