Clownish supporters? (6)

I believe the answer is:

stilts

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'clownish supporters?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stilts that I've seen before include "Tall sticks for lofty walking" , "Long sticks for elevated walking" , "Sticks to help you walk tall" , "Walking poles; birds" , "Sticks to wall on" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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