The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word BUFFETING
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
B
U
F
F
E
T
I
N
G
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Battering" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case battering = buffeting.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BUFFETING mean?
BUFFETING verb- To strike with a buffet; to cuff; to slap.
- To aggressively challenge, denounce, or criticise.
- To affect as with blows; to strike repeatedly; to strive with or contend against.
- To deaden the sound of (bells) by muffling the clapper.
- A blow or motion that buffets.
- Random, irregular motion of the plane or of one of its parts caused by turbulences in the airflow