Crossword Genius

Hack covering for editor is a bounder (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loper

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'a bounder' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'hack covering for editor' is the wordplay.
'hack' becomes 'lop' (both can mean to cut up).
'covering for editor' becomes 'er' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'lop'+'er'='LOPER'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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