this pathetic specimen spewed out (4)
I believe the answer is:
spat
'spewed out' is the definition.
'spat' can be an answer for 'spewed' ('spit' can be a synonym of 'spew'). I am unsure of the 'out' bit.
'this pathetic specimen' is the wordplay.
'SPAT' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm unsure how the hidden word is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spat that I've seen before include "Small row between Pats" , "Taps in a small quarrel" , "Small altercations between Pats" , "Taps in minor quarrel" , "Expectorated in slight quarrel" .)