Sam, who generally gave officers a belting (6)

I believe the answer is:

browne

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'sam who generally gave officers a belting' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for browne that I've seen before include "Sam ---, military belt" , "Physician and author" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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