Crossword Genius

Aide alternately shields consiglieri? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

advisors

'consiglieri?' is the definition.

'aide alternately shields' is the wordplay.
'alternately' indicates alternate letters.
'shields' becomes 'visors' (visor is a kind of shield).
The alternating letters of 'aide' are 'ad'.
'ad'+'visors'='ADVISORS'

(Another definition for advisors that I've seen is " Those offering pupil advice".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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