Took part in boat race, perhaps, and argued (5)
I believe the answer is:
rowed
'argued' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'took part in boat race perhaps' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'part' could be 'row' (row is a kind of part) and 'row' is found in the answer.
'boat' could be 'e' and 'e' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'd' remains which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).
'and' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for rowed that I've seen before include "Was in Boat Race maybe" , "Propelled boat" , "Propelled by oars" , "Took part in regatta, perhaps" , "Plied the oars" .)