Keep them about you for emergencies (4)

I believe the answer is:

wits

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'keep them about you' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for wits that I've seen before include "Keep them about you to stay alert" , "Humorous people" , "Mental faculties" , "Intelligence" , "They express themselves humorously" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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