Minor’s coy, dropping round supply favouring mates (8)
I believe the answer is:
cronyism
'mates' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cronyism that I've seen before include "The appointing of personal friends to jobs" , "Dubious appointments" , "Favouritism shown to friends and associates" , "Appointment of friends to jobs, regardless of qualifications" , "old boy network" .)