Finch found in book published by special constable (5)
I believe the answer is:
scout
'finch found in book' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'published by special constable' is the wordplay.
'published' becomes 'out' (I've seen this in other clues).
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'special constable' becomes 'SC' (abbreviation for special constable).
'out' after 'sc' is 'SCOUT'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scout that I've seen before include "Member of organisation for boys" , "Soldier on a reconnaissance mission" , "Talent seeker - boy on a jamboree" , "Member of a youth movement" , "Information-gathering soldier" .)