Crossword Genius

Unpleasant European gave orders (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bade

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'gave orders' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with communicating as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'unpleasant european' is the wordplay.
'unpleasant' becomes 'bad'.
'european' becomes 'E' (abbreviation e.g. EU).
'bad'+'e'='BADE'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bade that I've seen before include "Invited" , "Commanded with bead" , "Ordered" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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