Noteworthy protectors (4)

I believe the answer is:

pads

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'noteworthy protectors' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pads that I've seen before include "Cricket leg-guards" , "Fleshes out" , "Quarters" , "Protective guards worn by sportspeople" , "tablets" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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