One beaten with sticks initially lost spirit (3)

I believe the answer is:

rum

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'spirit' is the definition.
(alcoholic spirit)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for rum that I've seen before include "Strange; spirit" , "Odd like drink distilled from molasses" , "Pirate's grog" , "Odd kind of drink for sailor" , "Odd sort of drink" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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