Crossword Genius

Hard master caned cheeky little chappie? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hamster

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'cheeky little chappie?' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'hard master caned' is the wordplay.
'hard' becomes 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications).
'caned' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'canned' mean this (canned can mean drunk)).
'master' with letters rearranged gives 'amster'.
'h'+'amster'='HAMSTER'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hamster that I've seen before include "one running round in circles?" , "Rodent often kept as pet" , "Furry pet" , "Kind of rodent with cheekpouches, often a pet" , "Pet rodent, may be golden" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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