Request from group of masochists to take a break (6)
I believe the answer is:
hiatus
'a break' is the definition.
(I know that hiatus is a type of break)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
(Other definitions for hiatus that I've seen before include "Is a hut (anag.)" , "Interval" , "Gap in continuity" , "Interruption in intensity or amount" , "A gap or pause in the middle" .)