Crossword Genius

Alexander's father spoke with encouragement (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

fillip

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'encouragement' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fillip that I've seen before include "Encouraging boost" , "As tonic" , "Stimulus or incentive" , "Something adding stimulation" , "19, which sounds like a boy's name" .)

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