Cryptic crossword clue
Heartlessly preserving corporal punishment 6

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word CANING

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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The straight part
We know that "corporal punishment" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case corporal punishment = caning.
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 CANING mean?

CANING verb
  1. To strike or beat with a cane or similar implement
  2. To destroy; to comprehensively defeat
  3. To do something well, in a competent fashion
  4. To produce extreme pain
  5. To make or furnish with cane or rattan.
CANING noun
  1. A beating with a cane.

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