Crossword Genius

Ring judge to speak at length (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

orate

'speak at length' is the definition.
(to orate is to give a speech)

'ring judge' is the wordplay.
'ring' becomes 'O' (O is the shape of a ring).
'judge' becomes 'rate' (rating is a kind of judging).
'o'+'rate'='ORATE'

'to' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for orate that I've seen before include "Make a pompous speech" , "talk at length" , "Speak in florid style" , "Make a lengthy speech" , "Harangue" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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