Gave proof of evil spirits, taunted principally and scolded (12)
I believe the answer is:
demonstrated
'gave proof' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'evil spirits taunted principally and scolded' is the wordplay.
'evil spirits' becomes 'demons' (demon is a kind of evil spirit).
'principally' suggests taking the first letters.
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'scolded' becomes 'rated' (I've seen this in another clue).
The initial letter of 'taunted' is 't'.
'demons'+'t'+'rated'='DEMONSTRATED'
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for demonstrated that I've seen before include "made public protest" , "shown up" .)