Recruits — small number having bad habits? (7)
I believe the answer is:
novices
'recruits' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
'small number having bad habits?' is the wordplay.
'small number' becomes 'no' (abbreviation; 'small' indicates an abbreviation).
'having' says to put letters next to each other.
'bad habits?' becomes 'vices' (I've seen this before).
'no'+'vices'='NOVICES'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for novices that I've seen before include "Converts" , "Tyros" , "starters?" , "Beginners; nuns" , "Beginners, who have not sinned?" .)