Barman regularly scrubbed a couple of cups (3)
I believe the answer is:
bra
'a couple of cups' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'barman regularly scrubbed' is the wordplay.
'regularly scrubbed' indicates alternate letters (letters removed at regular intervals).
The alternate letters of 'barman' are 'BRA'.
(Other definitions for bra that I've seen before include "I give a couple a lift" , "Female undergarment" , "Underwear item" , "Chest supporter" , "support" .)