Crossword Genius

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

Ross

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.
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