Hes habitually full of spirit (5)

I believe the answer is:

toper

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'spirit' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for toper that I've seen before include "Heavy drinker" , "Lush" , "Drinker, imbiber" , "Drunkard" , "Soak" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.

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