Heard impolite guard is often seen in church (4,6)
I believe the answer is:
rood screen
'often seen in church' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'heard impolite guard' is the wordplay.
'heard' shows a homophone (sound like).
'impolite' becomes 'rude' (similar in meaning).
'guard' becomes 'screen' (screen can mean to guard or protect).
'rude' sounds like 'rood'.
'rood'+'screen'='ROOD SCREEN'
'is' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rood screen that I've seen before include "obstacle in church" , "It separates nave from chancel" .)