Crossword Genius

One critical of French tower on farm? (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

detractor

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'farm?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

'one critical of french tower on' is the wordplay.
'one critical of french' becomes 'de' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'tower' becomes 'tractor' (I've seen this before).
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'de'+'tractor'='DETRACTOR'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for detractor that I've seen before include "Critic" , "I make uncomplimentary remarks" , "One belittling" , "one responsible for mud flying around" , "one runs people down" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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