Copy from a cheap edition (3)
I believe the answer is:
ape
'copy' is the definition.
(ape can mean to copy or imitate)
'from a cheap edition' is the wordplay.
'from' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'APE' is hidden within 'cheap edition'.
(Other definitions for ape that I've seen before include "Parrot" , "Imitate like primate" , "Send up" , "Wild animal" , "intelligent creature" .)