Such sticks are burnt (4)

I believe the answer is:

joss

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'such sticks are' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how one could define the other.

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for joss that I've seen before include "Fate" , "An idol; incense (stick)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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