They are taken by minister and salesman (6)
I believe the answer is:
orders
'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for orders that I've seen before include "Instructions given as to waiters" , "Dictates, commands" , "the clergy take" , "taken by clergymen" , "Commands and edicts" .)