Exemplary containers (5)
I believe the answer is:
cases
'containers' is the definition.
(case is a kind of container)
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cases that I've seen before include "Bags" , "Keeps a close eye on" , "Clothes containers or court trials" , "Instances; containers" , "Proceedings in a court of law" .)