Some pretty pestilent sorts! (5)

I believe the answer is:

types

'sorts' is the definition.
(type is a kind of sort)

'some pretty pestilent' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'TYPES' is hidden within 'pretty pestilent'.

(Other definitions for types that I've seen before include "Sorts - varieties" , "Sorts; kinds" , "Writes using a keyboard" , "Uses a keyboard; sorts" , "Categories having common characteristics" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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