Parts with shifty escorts (7)
I believe the answer is:
sectors
'parts' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'shifty escorts' is the wordplay.
'shifty' is an anagram indicator.
'escorts' anagrammed gives 'SECTORS'.
'with' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sectors that I've seen before include "mathematical instruments" , "Branches of enterprise" , "Divisions of a nation's economic operations" .)