Crossword Genius

What's resorted to by the hot-headed shark (oriental)? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

topee

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'hot-headed shark oriental?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'what's resorted to by' is the wordplay.
'what's resorted' becomes 'pee' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'pee' after 'to' is 'TOPEE'.

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for topee that I've seen before include "Headgear" , "Tropical sun hat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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