They are paid by formal visitors (8)
I believe the answer is:
respects
This could be a double definition.
'they' is the first definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'paid by formal visitors' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.
'are' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for respects that I've seen before include "Esteems" , "Treats with esteem" , "Observes" , "Particulars" , "Pays proper attention to" .)