Crossword Genius

Otherwise a Conservative's rhetoric (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

oratory

'rhetoric' is the definition.
(both can mean formal speech)

'otherwise a conservative's' is the wordplay.
'otherwise' becomes 'or'.
'conservative' becomes 'tory' (informal term for a Conservative Party member).
'or'+'a'+'tory'='ORATORY'

(Other definitions for oratory that I've seen before include "church" , "Formal speech-making, could be pompous" , "Art or skill of public speaking" , "devotional space" , "Place for private prayer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.