Cryptic crossword clue
Defamation, especially during heavy beating 12

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 12 letter word BESPATTERING

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Defamation" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case defamation = bespattering.
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 BESPATTERING mean?

BESPATTERING verb
  1. To spatter or cover with something; sprinkle with anything liquid, or with any wet or adhesive substance.
  2. To soil by spattering.
  3. To asperse with calumny or reproach; shend.

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