Crossword Genius

Eloquent preacher's year in church (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oratory

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

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

'eloquent preacher's year' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'year' could be 'y' and 'y' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'orator' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for oratory that I've seen before include "Art or skill of public speaking" , "formal speech" , "Rhetorical language" , "Eloquent language" , "prayer room" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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