The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word CLOUTED
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
C
L
O
U
T
E
D
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "hit" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case hit = clouted.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 CLOUTED mean?
CLOUTED verb- To form a clot or mass.
- To cause to clot or form into a mass.
- To hit, especially with the fist.
- To cover with cloth, leather, or other material; to bandage, patch, or mend with a clout.
- To stud with nails, as a timber, or a boot sole.
- To guard with an iron plate, as an axletree.
- To join or patch clumsily.