The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TOWELED
T
O
W
E
L
E
D
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 TOWELED mean?
TOWELED verb- To hit with a towel.
- To dry by using a towel.
- To block up (a door, etc.) with a towel, to conceal the fumes of a recreational drug.
- To beat with a stick.