this pathetic specimen spewed out (4)
I believe the answer is:
spat
'spewed out' is the definition.
'spat' can be an answer for 'spewed' ('spit' can be a synonym of 'spew'). I am unsure of the 'out' bit.
'this pathetic specimen' is the wordplay.
'SPAT' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am not sure how the hidden word is indicated.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for spat that I've seen before include "Small row between Pats" , "Taps in a small quarrel" , "Small altercations between Pats" , "Taps in minor quarrel" , "Expectorated in slight quarrel" .)