Crossword Genius

Managed firm united by Republican spite (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rancour

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

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

'managed firm united by republican' is the wordplay.
'managed' becomes 'ran' (I've seen this before).
'firm' becomes 'co' (a firm is a company).
'united by' becomes 'u' (I am not sure about the 'by' bit.**).
'republican' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'ran'+'co'+'u'+'r'='RANCOUR'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rancour that I've seen before include "Bad feeling and resentment" , "'Bitterness, resentment (7)'" , "generating ill-feeling ..." , "Malicious hostility" , "Bitter feeling or ill-will" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app