Lots of beatings (8)
I believe the answer is:
lashings
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'lots' is the first definition.
('lashings' can be a synonym of 'lots')
'beatings' is the second definition.
('lashing' can be a synonym of 'beating')
'of' is the link.
(Other definitions for lashings that I've seen before include "They secure" , "a great deal" , "Lots and lots" , "punishment" , "Great quantity" .)