They get a bashing at the cookhouse (5)

I believe the answer is:

spuds

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'they' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spuds that I've seen before include "Potatoes (colloq.)" , "Potatoes (informal)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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