Beaten hollow (4)

I believe the answer is:

dent

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'hollow' is the definition.
(both can mean an impression or indentation)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dent that I've seen before include "tooth (13) [FRENCH]" , "Tend to make small depression" , "Small hollow" , "Tend (anag.)" , "Hollow; tend (anagram)" .)

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

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