19 across (two words) is commonly associated with an octet. Each member of the octet defines one further unclued light.
Across
11 Masseur also kneaded old reptiles (11)
12 Country’s northern frogs, newts etc with no acid measure (7)
13 Tease one brunette, vacuous crone (6)
16 Very great network’s backing Sturgeon (7)
17 Personify old emperor and knight, judge admits (9)
18 Stare at faceless spectre (4)
21 Metal wires from Scot’s very regal people (7)
25 German scientist and short German painter (6)
26 Certain to take oral exam almost last (7)
27 Memo about area with e.g. castles they will inherit (12, hyphened)
30 Return of Spanish tennis player a long way off (4)
31 Comic novelist cups part of breastbone (9)
36 Clubs, proud, losing runs heavily (6)
37 Drawing little bottles for drink (7)
38 Criticise artist stirring tea in broadcast (11)
39 The writer said vessel carries the Venetian blind (7)
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