School dunces wanting these for geometry? (9)
I believe the answer is:
compasses
'these for geometry?' is the definition.
The definition suggests an adverb but the answer is not.
'school dunces' is the wordplay.
'school' becomes 'comp' (short for comprehensive school).
'dunces' becomes 'asses' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'comp'+'asses'='COMPASSES'
'wanting' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for compasses that I've seen before include "they're to measure the distance" , "Circle-drawing instruments" , "get these for geometry" , "English name for the constellation Circinus" .)