Meticulous precision of scaffolder picked up (6)
I believe the answer is:
rigour
'meticulous precision' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both human attributes as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'scaffolder picked up' is the wordplay.
'scaffolder' becomes 'rigger' (I've seen this before).
'picked up' shows a homophone (sound like).
'rigger' is a homophone of 'RIGOUR'.
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rigour that I've seen before include "Extreme care and thoroughness" , "Hardship" , "Trial" , "Sternness" , "Severity, harshness" .)