The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word BUFFETS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
B
U
F
F
E
T
S
Buddy explains!

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 BUFFETS mean?
BUFFETS 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.