Special contenders for prize crossword? They're posted (8)
I believe the answer is:
sentries
'special contenders' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I can't see?
'prize crossword? they're posted' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'posted' could be 'sent' ('send' can be a synonym of 'post') and 'sent' is found within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'for' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sentries that I've seen before include "Sentinels, guards" , "Sentinels, watches" , "Lookouts, guards" , "Guards to control entry" , "It sneers at those on watch" .)