Crossword Genius

It's thoroughly lawful to seek their custom (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

solicit

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'seek their custom' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'it's thoroughly lawful' is the wordplay.
'it's thoroughly' becomes 'so' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'lawful' becomes 'licit' (synonyms).
'so'+'licit'='SOLICIT'

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for solicit that I've seen before include "Petition - importune" , "Ask (someone) for something" , "Proposition" , "Accost - request" , "Drum up business" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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