What does the cryptic crossword clue "Beat friend hollow and scoffed (9)" mean?

The definition is "Beat". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). PAL (synonym="friend") + PIT (synonym="hollow") + ATE (synonym="scoffed") = PALPITATE; definition: "Beat" The answer is PALPITATE.

Beat friend hollow and scoffed (9)

Independent Cryptic #11995 | 11 Across | 2025-03-20 flower

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