Writer gets stick for putting things down (6)

I believe the answer is:

pencil

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'writer' is the definition.
(something which writes)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for pencil that I've seen before include "Writing tool" , "implement in case?" , "A writing stick" , "Writing instrument" , "Graphite writer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times and the Irish Times (Crosaire).

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