As a bit of a rotter, may be hounded (5)
I believe the answer is:
otter
'as' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both substances as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'a bit of a rotter may be hounded' is the wordplay.
'OTTER' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for otter that I've seen before include "Aquatic river mammal" , "furry creature" , "Aquatic beast" , "River-dwelling mammal" , "Fish-eating water animal with brown fur and flat tail" .)