Basis of pancake for buffet (6)

I believe the answer is:

batter

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'for buffet' is the definition.
(buffet can mean to hit or batter)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for batter that I've seen before include "Beat heavily" , "Thin mixture of flour and liquid" , "sportsman" , "Pancake mixture" , "Hit hard and often (6)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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