Crossword puzzle clue "bowling alley device and a hint to the hidden word in each starred answer"

Bowling alley device, and a hint to the hidden word in each starred answer

Small, influential group ... and a hint to the word hidden in each answer to a starred clue

Pained expression, and a hint to two cries hidden in each answer to a starred clue

Complete freedom ... and a hint to each half of the answer to each starred clue

Early, or a hint to where each half of each starred answer can be found

Word that can precede each word of each starred answer

Repeated words in a drill sergeant's marching order, and a hint to how the first and second word, in turn, of each starred answer would be touch-typed

Theme answer count, amount of letters in each, word hidden in each, and, when repeated twice, today's date