Crossword Genius

Flogging physicist (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hawking

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

This could be a double definition.

'flogging' is the first definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'physicist' is the second definition.
(I know that Hawking is a physicist)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hawking that I've seen before include "clearing his throat noisily" , "Falconry - "Brief History" author" , "Physicist" , "Peddling" , "Cosmologist attracted to 6 [BLACKHOLE] s" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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