Flap about, does it? (3)
I believe the answer is:
bat
'it?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'flap about' is the wordplay.
'flap' becomes 'tab' (both can mean a small piece of material).
'about' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'tab' written backwards gives 'BAT'.
'does' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for bat that I've seen before include "Night-flying mammal" , "Small mammal or cricket striker" , "Creature" , "Night-flyer" , "Nocturnal flier" .)