Ties even if beatings are evident (8)

I believe the answer is:

lashings

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'ties' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are plural nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lashings that I've seen before include "punishment" , "They secure" , "a great deal" , "Great quantity" , "Lots and lots" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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