Entreaty some people acknowledged (4)
I believe the answer is:
plea
'entreaty' is the definition.
(I know that plea is a type of entreaty)
'some people acknowledged' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'PLEA' can be found hidden inside 'people acknowledged'.
(Other definitions for plea that I've seen before include "Earnest appeal" , "(and 14) Enjoyment - gratification" , "Excuse; petition" , "Humble request for help" , "Negotiation between prosecutor and defendant" .)