Kipling character in freak imprint (3)
I believe the answer is:
kim
'kipling character' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'in freak imprint' is the wordplay.
'in' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'KIM' is hidden in the letters of 'freak imprint'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for kim that I've seen before include "Boy's or (now usually) girl's name" , "Rudyard Kipling novel" , "Book" , "Girl" , "-- Basinger, US actress" .)