Crossword Genius

Little devil learning to beg (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

implore

'to beg' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'little devil learning' is the wordplay.
'little devil' becomes 'imp' (an imp is a little demon).
'learning' becomes 'lore' (both can mean tradition or knowledge).
'imp'+'lore'='IMPLORE'

(Other definitions for implore that I've seen before include "More lip (anag)" , "Beg earnestly, beseech" , "Beg earnestly, entreat" , "Beg earnestly, plead" , "Ask earnestly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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