Half of them importune the ruler’s wife (7)
I believe the answer is:
empress
'ruler's wife' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'half of them importune' is the wordplay.
'half of' indicates taking half.
'importune' becomes 'press' (both can mean to beg or harass).
'them' halved is 'em'.
'em'+'press'='EMPRESS'
'the' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for empress that I've seen before include "leading lady" , "Maria Theresa, perhaps" , "She rules over many territories" , "Female ruler" , "She rules a vast realm" .)