Time-consuming messenger's a palace official (8)
I believe the answer is:
courtier
'a palace official' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?
'time-consuming messenger's' is the wordplay.
'time' becomes 't' (abbreviation).
'consuming' indicates putting letters inside (consume can mean to bring in or absorb).
'messenger' becomes 'courier' (synonyms).
't' inserted into 'courier' is 'COURTIER'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for courtier that I've seen before include "royal companion" , "Royal attendant" , "Monarch's companion" , "Attendant on monarch" , "Setter" .)