Distinction accorded to a number, in time (6)
I believe the answer is:
honour
'distinction' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'number in time' is the wordplay.
'number' becomes 'no' (abbreviation).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'time' becomes 'hour' (unit of time).
'no' put inside 'hour' is 'HONOUR'.
'accorded to a' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for honour that I've seen before include "Be faithful to; glory" , "Award conferred as a mark of respect" , "Personal integrity" , "pay tribute to" , "Lionise" .)