Course in clapping (3)
I believe the answer is:
lap
'course' is the definition.
'in clapping' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'LAP' is hidden in the letters of 'clapping'.
(Other definitions for lap that I've seen before include "place for small computer?" , "400 metres, typically" , "Drink; lick" , "Drink (like dog), circuit" , "Knees" .)