King getting hug off brass? Cheeky blighter! (6)

I believe the answer is:

monkey

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'king' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for monkey that I've seen before include "See 10" , "Araucaria -- evergreen conifer" , "Type of wrench for a monkey" , "Any of various long-tailed primates" , "Mischievous type" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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