Hint for one? Dunce needs to have 3! (5)

I believe the answer is:

tinge

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

'hint' is the definition.
(I know that hint can be written as tinge)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tinge that I've seen before include "Slight trace; colour" , "Little bit of colour" , "A slight shade of colour" , "A suspicion" , "Touch (of colour?)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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