A downtrodden machine worker (7)
I believe the answer is:
treadle
This might be a double definition.
'a downtrodden machine' is the first definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'worker' is the second definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for treadle that I've seen before include "Foot lever that works a machine" , "Dear, let a foot lever emerge" , "requires footwork" , "Foot-pedal" , "Rocking lever operated by foot" .)