Crossword Genius

Declaim liturgy without notes (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

recite

'declaim' is the definition.
('recite' can be a synonym of 'declaim')

'liturgy without notes' is the wordplay.
'liturgy' becomes 'rite' (I've seen this before).
'without' indicates putting letters inside ('without' can be similar in meaning to 'outside').
'notes' becomes 'ec' (**).
'rite' placed around 'ec' is 'RECITE'.

(Other definitions for recite that I've seen before include "Repeat aloud from memory, say a poem" , "Declaim aloud" , "Ire etc (anag)" , "Read out" , "Repeat aloud form memory( 6)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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