Crossword Genius

Freeloader's just after hot incense for initiation (6-2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hanger-on

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'freeloader's' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'just after hot incense for initiation' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'hot' could be 'h' (abbreviation, eg on taps) and 'h' is found in the answer.
'incense' could be 'anger' (incense can mean to anger) and 'anger' is found in the answer.
'just after' could be 'on' and 'on' is found within the answer.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hanger-on that I've seen before include "Sycophantic associate" , "Someone who tags along" , "An unwanted follower or dependant - swings out of you" , "A sycophant - he really clings" , "Unwanted follower or dependant, parasite" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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