It protects against spillage in imbibing (3)
I believe the answer is:
bib
'it protects against spillage' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'in imbibing' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'BIB' can be found hidden inside 'imbibing'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bib that I've seen before include "Protective garment" , "Baby's napkin" , "Top part of an apron" , "Upper part of apron" , "Palindromic protective cloth for child while eating" .)