Crossword Genius

Cardinal rule for a speaker (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

principal

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

'rule for a speaker' is the wordplay.
'rule' becomes 'principle' (principle is a kind of rule).
'for a speaker' indicates a 'sounds like' (homophone) clue (the words would sound the same when spoken).
'principle' sounds like 'PRINCIPAL'.

(Other definitions for principal that I've seen before include "Chief, main" , "Headmaster" , "Chief - teacher?" , "top man" , "Cardinal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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