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Minor’s coy, dropping round supply favouring mates (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

cronyism

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'mates' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

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(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" .)

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