Windows components needing small series of tests (6)
I believe the answer is:
sashes
'windows components' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'small series of tests' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'small' could be 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size) and 's' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'ashes' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'needing' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sashes that I've seen before include "They hold the glass in window frames" , "Ornamental cloth bands me father wore in song?" , "Sliding window frames" , "They're worn over shoulders" , "Ornamental cloth strips me father wore musically" .)