Crossword Genius

Hit, cut, flog and cane (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ratan

'cane' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'hit cut flog' is the wordplay.
'hit' becomes 'rap' (rap can mean to knock or hit).
'cut' means to remove the last letter.
'flog' becomes 'tan' (I've seen this in other clues).
'rap' with its final letter removed is 'ra'.
'ra'+'tan'='RATAN'

'and' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for ratan that I've seen before include "kind of palm tree" , "cane" , "walking-stick" , "Palm used for wicker work" , "wickerwork" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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