Gussied up, leading actor began speaking (7)

I believe the answer is:

adorned

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'gussied' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for adorned that I've seen before include "Decorated, bedecked" , "Bedecked while Don read" , "done up" , "Put on finery" , "Embellished, decorated" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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