Spooked, began to bury first of loot (8)
I believe the answer is:
startled
'spooked' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
'began to bury first of loot' is the wordplay.
'began' becomes 'started' ('start' can be a synonym of 'begin').
'to bury' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are buried inside).
'first of loot' becomes 'l' (1st letter of 'loot').
'started' going around 'l' is 'STARTLED'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for startled that I've seen before include "Caused sudden alarm" , "Affrighted" , "Surprised with fright" , "Shocked, alarmed" , "Suddenly alarmed" .)