Crossword Genius

Minor misdemeanour not altogether standard practice (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

norm

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

'standard practice' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'minor misdemeanour not altogether' is the wordplay.
'not altogether' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some but not all of the letters in the clue).
'NORM' is hidden in the letters of 'minor misdemeanour'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for norm that I've seen before include "Standard, average" , "Standard, criterion" , "Average level of achievement" , "Standard regarded as typical" , "Drawing stick" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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