ACROSS
1. ←GOD PAL← = LAPDOG <a sycophantic lackey>
5. <leave> SHOO = SH _OO_
7. <predatory bird> SKUA = "SKEWER"
8. <new plant> SPROUT = SP ROUT(-e)
9. TAU inside MINOR = MINOTAUR <son of Pasiphaë>
11. <overestimate> HIGHBALL = I_ G_ H_ B_ inside HALL
14. COCO ON = COCOON <protection one leaves behind when entering a new stage of life?>
15. <wild> NUTS = NUS outside _T_
16. <leaf through> SKIM = S KIM
17. <zealous> ARDENT = (...w)ARDEN T(i...)

DOWN
2. AU_ KS = AUKS <diving birds>
3. (DRAW IN) GROOM = DRAWING ROOM <parlour>
4. <enthusiasm> GUSTO = (GOT US)*
5. <simplified processes> STREAMLINED = DERAILMENTS*
6. R_ E_ after UV after OE = OEUVRE <work>
10. <trash> SHLOCK = SHERLOCK - ER
12. BON ZA = BONZA <very good>
13. <leave shocked> STUN = STUN(-g)