Artists' tripods (6)
I believe the answer is:
easels
'artists' tripods' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for easels that I've seen before include "Stands for artists' canvases" , "Supports in the studio" , "Artists' supports" , "Artists' tripods" , "Leases (anag)" .)