The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word FLATFOOT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
F
L
A
T
F
O
O
T
More clues leading to the result FLATFOOT
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "One used to beat" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one used to beat = flatfoot.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 FLATFOOT mean?
FLATFOOT noun- (chiefly in the plural) A condition in which the arch of the foot makes contact with the ground
- A person having the above condition
- (law enforcement) (plural typically flatfoots) A policeman
- To walk around in the course of work, especially when investigating.
- To dance in the style of Appalachian clogging.
- To gulp an entire drink (bottle, glass, can, etc.) without pausing between swallows.
- To perform an action inefficiently or awkwardly.
- To wrongfoot.