The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word ORATION
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
O
R
A
T
I
O
N
More clues leading to the result ORATION
- Address of old shop I must visit
- Love helping in lecture
- Address at which stars gather
- Something in the air helping speech
- Belted hunter scoffing at speech
- Round, helping to produce speech
- Speech Horatio Nelson cut short at both ends
- Getting zero on dole warrants speech
- Address old fixed allowance
- Bill deserts love for 2
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "lecture" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case lecture = oration.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 ORATION mean?
ORATION noun- A formal, often ceremonial speech.
- A lengthy speech or argument in a private setting.
- A specific form of short, solemn prayer said by the president of the liturgical celebration on behalf of the people.
- To deliver an oration; to speak.