A rod for whipping, in command (6)
I believe the answer is:
ordain
'command' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'a rod for whipping in' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
an anagram of 'rod' is 'ord' which is within the answer.
'in' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ordain that I've seen before include "Make a decree" , "Appoint - admit to holy orders" , "Install as priest" , "Make someone a clergyman" , "Establish" .)