What does the cryptic crossword clue "Former leader of Tories in court lost (7)" mean?

The definition is "lost". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). EX (abbreviation="Former") + T (first_letter="Tories") + IN (from clue) + CT (abbreviation="court") = EXTINCT; definition: "lost" The answer is EXTINCT.

Former leader of Tories in court lost (7)

Daily Mail Cryptic #16462 | 8 Across | 2020-12-07 flower

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