Three chaps in debt expunging third loss (9)

I believe the answer is:

detriment

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'third loss' is the definition.
'detriment' can be an answer for 'loss' (I've seen this before). I'm unsure of the 'third' bit.

'three chaps in debt expunging' is the wordplay.
'three' becomes 'tri' (prefix meaning 'three').
'chaps' becomes 'men' (chap means a man).
'in' indicates putting letters inside.
'debt expunging' becomes 'det' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'tri'+'men'='trimen'
'trimen' put within 'det' is 'DETRIMENT'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for detriment that I've seen before include "Possible loss" , "hurt" , "Harm, damage" , "State of being harmed or damaged" , "Damage, loss" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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