Topping speech by ambassador? (9)
I believe the answer is:
headdress
'topping' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.
'speech by ambassador?' is the wordplay.
'speech' becomes 'address' (synonyms).
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'ambassador?' becomes 'he' (His or Her Excellency).
'address' after 'he' is 'HEADDRESS'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for headdress that I've seen before include "ceremonial gear" , "Hat or tiara, say" , "Plumed helmet" , "Ceremonial wear" , "capital cover" .)