Like 'shan't', perhaps, it's a shortened form (5)

I believe the answer is:

hants

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'it's a shortened form' is the definition.
I don't know anything about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'like shan't' is the wordplay.
'shan't' anagrams to 'HANTS'.
However, I am not sure how the anagram is indicated.

'perhaps' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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