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Sort of crack chaps hope will not recede (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hairline

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This clue might be a double definition.

'sort of crack' is the first definition.
'hairline' can be an answer for 'crack' (I have seen 'Thin crack ' mean 'hairline' so perhaps 'crack' could also mean 'hairline'). I am unsure of the 'sort of' bit.

'chaps hope will not recede' is the second definition.
I know that 'recede' relates to this answer.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hairline that I've seen before include "A very narrow crack, a little hirsute?" , "Of a crack, very thin" , "Very narrow opening" , "area on the outskirts of Barnet?" , "extremely thin" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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