Crossword Genius

They are paid by formal visitors (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

respects

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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" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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