Very pious, but they don't take orders (4)
I believe the answer is:
nuns
'orders' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for nuns that I've seen before include "women in order" , "Holy sisters" , "Religious sisters" , "Sisters in order" , "Women in religious vocations" .)