Loop around top of ugly whip used for punishment (5)
I believe the answer is:
knout
'whip used for punishment' is the definition.
'knout' can be an answer for 'whip' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'used for punishment' bit.
'loop around top of ugly' is the wordplay.
'loop' becomes 'knot' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'top of' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letter of 'ugly' is 'u'.
'knot' going around 'u' is 'KNOUT'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for knout that I've seen before include "Russian whip is finally not at home" , "Whip once used in Russia" , "It was used to inflict punishment" , "Flog" .)