Crossword Genius

Former priest? Hears cracks about that (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

shaper

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'former priest? hears cracks about that' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'priest? hears cracks about that' is the wordplay.
'priest?' becomes 'p' (ecclesiastical abbreviation).
'cracks' is an anagram indicator (I've seen 'cracked' mean this).
'about that' is an insertion indicator.
'hears' is an anagram of 'shaer'.
'p' going inside 'shaer' is 'SHAPER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for shaper that I've seen before include "tool" , "Form giver" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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