Reading (7)
(Other definitions for lecture that I've seen before include "Class at university" , "Address" , "Deliver a talk" , "An instructive talk, in school or church" , "Lesson; reprimand" .)
'reading' is the definition.
(perusal is a kind of reading)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for perusal that I've seen before include "Process of examination" , "Inspection" , "Reading, examination" , "thorough scan" , "worth a close look" .)