Previously abuse someone applauding Conservative rule (11)

I believe the answer is:

clapperclaw

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'previously abuse someone' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'applauding conservative rule' is the wordplay.
'applauding' becomes 'clapper' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'conservative' becomes 'C' (UK political abbreviation).
'rule' becomes 'law' (law is a kind of rule).
'clapper'+'c'+'law'='CLAPPERCLAW'

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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