Crooner cradles very, very young chick on bended knee (7)

I believe the answer is:

begging

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'knee' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't see how one could define the other.

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for begging that I've seen before include "Asking for alms" , "Asking for charity" , "Imploring" , "Earnestly entreating" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.