Crossword Genius

A maker of hats, he accepts an order (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thomas

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

'a maker' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'hats he accepts an order' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'he' could be 'thom' and 'thom' is found in the answer.
'an' could be 'a' and 'a' is located in the answer.
A single letter 's' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for thomas that I've seen before include "Rev. Awdry's Tank Engine" , "Famous tank engine" , "Doubting disciple" , "Writer who died in 1928" , "Dylan ..., ... Aquinas" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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