The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word TRIBUNE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Sunday Telegraph
T
R
I
B
U
N
E
More clues leading to the result TRIBUNE
- Champion, one of twenty-four in harmony
- … and swirling around a French official in Rome
- Officer‘s platform
- Champion‘s air inhibits tease
- Champion melody impressing member
- Leader, one from France entering race
- Old newspaper leader?
- Popular leader, one in France entering race
- Old Roman officer with air passing round part of the chest
- “Guardian for plebs” – Times leader needs to tease one outside the UK
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Defender of rights" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case defender of rights = tribune.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does TRIBUNE mean?
TRIBUNE noun- An elected official in Ancient Rome.
- A protector of the people.
- The domed or vaulted apse in a Christian church that houses the bishop's throne.
- A place or an opportunity to speak, to express one's opinion; a platform or pulpit.