Crossword Genius

Cross, head delivering corporal punishment (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spanking

'corporal punishment' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'cross head' is the wordplay.
'cross' becomes 'span' (synonyms).
'head' becomes 'king'.
'span'+'king'='SPANKING'

'delivering' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for spanking that I've seen before include "procedure for maintaining discipline!" , "Hiding" , "Outstanding - traditional punishment for children?" , "Very large" , "Quick and energetic (1)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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