Meant note to be used for compensation (9)
I believe the answer is:
atonement
'for compensation' is the definition.
(atonement is a kind of compensation)
'meant note to be' is the wordplay.
'to be' indicates an anagram.
'meant'+'note'='meantnote'
'meantnote' anagrammed gives 'ATONEMENT'.
'used' is the link.
(Other definitions for atonement that I've seen before include "Expiation of sin, penance" , "Compensation for a wrong" , "needed to make amends" , "satisfaction" , "'Penance, redemption (9)'" .)