Arriving shortly as fancy drape (5)
I believe the answer is:
arras
'fancy drape' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'arriving shortly as' is the wordplay.
'arriving shortly' becomes 'arr' (abbreviation used in transport; 'shortly' suggests an abbreviation).
'arr'+'as'='ARRAS'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for arras that I've seen before include "Tapestry; WW One battle" , "Tapestry wall hanging" , "Polonius met his end behind one" , "Work of art" , "Wall hanging of heavy woven fabric" .)