For this was flying in WWII (and distinctly hairy) (5)

I believe the answer is:

tress

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'for this was flying in wwii and distinctly hairy' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tress that I've seen before include "Obsolete support" , "Rests (anag.)" , "Long piece of hair" , "Curl - lock" , "is a bit of a shock" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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