Crossword Genius

Spanking vessels? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

smacks

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'vessels?' is the definition.
(smack is a kind of vessel)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for smacks that I've seen before include "Slaps the fishing boats?" , "Strikes with the hand" , "Loud slaps for fishing vessels" , "Slaps; flavours; boats" , "Punishes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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