Staff of office (4)
I'm afraid I can't explain this answer.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for typists that I've seen before include "Keyboard operators" , "They operate character printers" , "short of key players" .)
This clue could be a double definition.
'staff' is the first definition.
(I know that sceptre is a type of staff)
'office?' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both states of affairs as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I don't see?
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sceptre that I've seen before include "Respect (anag) -- symbol of ruler's authority" , "Staff of regency" , "Rod of office" , "Part of the royal regalia" , "Ruler's staff" .)
'staff of office' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for mace that I've seen before include "Spiked club" , "Came to get ancient weapon" , "Spice; ceremonial baton" , "Came to get ceremonial staff" , "Tear gas - spice" .)
I'm afraid I can't explain this answer.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Another definition for clerks that I've seen is " Office workers".)