The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word KNOUTS
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The straight part
We know that "Whips" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case whips = knouts.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 KNOUTS mean?
KNOUTS noun- A leather scourge (multi-tail whip), in the severe version known as 'great knout' with metal weights on each tongue, notoriously used in imperial Russia.
- To flog or beat with a knout.