Speaking slightingly of mad gent, praise eccentricity (13)

I believe the answer is:

disparagement

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'speaking slightingly' is the definition.

'mad gent praise eccentricity' is the wordplay.
'mad gent praise' anagrams to 'DISPARAGEMENT'.
But, I am not sure how this is indicated.

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for disparagement that I've seen before include "Condemnation, scorn" , "Slight - dig at spearmen (anag)" , "contempt" , "Aspersion" , "Belittling words" .)

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