21 down
Paltry
thieves
start
plundering
(8)
Paltry thieves start plundering (8)
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The definition is at the beginning of the clue.
How the clue works
The definition is Paltry, meaning insignificant or trifling. You get there by taking T (the first letter of "thieves") and sticking it in front of rifling (that's your "plundering").