Hits (7)
'hits' is the definition.
(I know this)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for strikes that I've seen before include "(Takes) industrial action" , "Impresses" , "Hits" .)
(Other definitions for clouts that I've seen before include "Blows, perhaps around the ears" , "strikes" , "Patches" , "Blows, cuffs" , "Informal blows" .)