They may be well-worn and well-used (5)

I believe the answer is:

pumps

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'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pumps that I've seen before include "Forces liquid to move; light shoes" , "Shoes; inflaters" , "Plimsolls" , "leading questions" , "Cycle attachments" .)

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

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