Crossword Genius

Made fun of escort in speech (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

guyed

'made fun of' is the definition.
('guy' can be a synonym of 'make fun of')

'escort in speech' is the wordplay.
'escort' becomes 'guide' (guide is a kind of escort).
'in speech' shows a homophone (sound like).
'guide' is a homophone of 'GUYED'.

(Other definitions for guyed that I've seen before include "Made fun of - kept in position by ropes" , "sent up" , "Secured with rope" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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