Leaders exchanged a timer, some pig meat and a sort of quilt (9)

I believe the answer is:

patchwork

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'sort of quilt' is the definition.
(I know that patchwork is a type of comfort)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for patchwork that I've seen before include "Cloth or quilt made from assorted pieces" , "Made up of many different elements" , "Contrasted pieces sewn together" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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