Formerly spoken of the countryside (8)
I believe the answer is:
pastoral
'the countryside' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
'formerly spoken' is the wordplay.
'formerly' becomes 'past' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'spoken' becomes 'oral' (similar in meaning).
'past'+'oral'='PASTORAL'
'of' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pastoral that I've seen before include "Of shepherds; pupil-welfare (responsibility)" , "to do with priestly duties" , "Beethoven's 6th symphony ..." , "Of sheperds, or concerned with spiritual guidance" , "of a priest" .)