Writers of punchlines dismissing Hun (7)

I believe the answer is:

pencils

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'writers' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pencils that I've seen before include "Writing tools" , "Drawing instruments" , "Writing implements" .)

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

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