Crossword Genius

Handled in beastly style (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mauled

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'handled in beastly style' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mauled that I've seen before include "Savaged and torn, as by 26 Down" , "Battered" , "Handled roughly or clawed" , "Handled clumsily" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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