In America, wise practices (6)
I believe the answer is:
usages
'practices' is the definition.
(I know this)
'in america wise' is the wordplay.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'america' becomes 'US' (United States).
'wise' becomes 'sage' (similar in meaning).
'us' enclosing 'sage' is 'USAGES'.
(Other definitions for usages that I've seen before include "Linguistic norms" , "speech patterns" , "Habitual or customary practices" , "Habitual practices with words" , "Customary treatments, practices" .)