Crossword Genius

Small collection of hats hidden away? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stash

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'small collection' is the definition.
'stash' can be an answer for 'collection' (I've seen this before). I'm not sure about the 'small' bit.

'hats hidden away?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
an anagram of 'hats' is 'tash' which is within the answer.
A single letter 's' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stash that I've seen before include "Stow away" , "collection" , "drug store" , "Consignment of drugs" , "Squirrel away" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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