Crossword Genius

Beg Republican entering to hand over money (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pray

'beg' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'republican entering to hand over money' is the wordplay.
'republican' becomes 'r' (abbreviation).
'entering' is an insertion indicator.
'to hand over money' becomes 'pay'.
'r' inserted into 'pay' is 'PRAY'.

(Other definitions for pray that I've seen before include "Make supplication (to a god)" , "Beseech" , "Appeal to higher authority" , "Wish earnestly (for a particular outcome)" , "Implore" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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