Columns of increasing entitlements (8)
I believe the answer is:
uprights
'columns' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'increasing entitlements' is the wordplay.
'increasing' becomes 'up'.
'entitlements' becomes 'rights' (I've seen this before).
'up'+'rights'='UPRIGHTS'
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for uprights that I've seen before include "goalposts?" , "Vertical posts in rugby pitch" , "Vertical posts or stakes" , "Vertical posts as in rugby goal" , "Vertical posts as for rugby match" .)