Abrasive comedian of yesteryear (5)
I believe the answer is:
emery
This could be a double definition.
'abrasive' is the first definition.
(emery is used as an abrasive)
'comedian of yesteryear' is the second definition.
'emery' can be an answer for 'comedian' (I have seen 'old comedian' mean 'emery' so perhaps 'comedian' could also mean 'emery'). I am unsure of the 'of yesteryear' bit.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for emery that I've seen before include "Abrasive form of corundum" , "Rock used as abrasive" , "Abrasive material" , "Dick - - , late comedian" , "Hard black-grey mineral used in grinding and polishing" .)