Crossword Genius

Coarse abuse upset labour clergyman (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

verbal

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'coarse abuse' is the definition.
'verbal' can be an answer for 'abuse' (I've seen this before). I'm not certain of the 'coarse' bit.

'upset labour clergyman' is the wordplay.
'upset' is a reversal indicator.
'labour' becomes 'lab' (abbreviation).
'clergyman' becomes 'rev' (short for reverend).
'lab'+'rev'='labrev'
'labrev' backwards is 'VERBAL'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for verbal that I've seen before include "Communicated in words" , "It's said" , "Word of mouth" , "Spoken, oral" , "Expressed in words" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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