Punishment for masses (8)
I believe the answer is:
lashings
This could be a double definition.
'punishment' is the first definition.
(lashing means beating with a whip)
'masses' is the second definition.
The definition and answer can be both acts as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lashings that I've seen before include "Great quantity" , "a great deal" , "They secure" , "Lots and lots" , "punishment" .)