Shown by one looking for scraps? (12)
I believe the answer is:
belligerence
'scraps?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for belligerence that I've seen before include "Aggression" , "Aggressive behaviour" , "Pugnacity" , "sabre-rattling" , "Aggressiveness" .)