Holding tureen that breaks (6)
I believe the answer is:
tenure
'holding' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'tureen that breaks' is the wordplay.
'that breaks' indicates an anagram.
'tureen' with letters rearranged gives 'TENURE'.
(Other definitions for tenure that I've seen before include "Neuter (anag)" , "Possession of office or property" , "Length of time in office" , "Period holding office" , "Term for which to hold a position" .)