Small supplication to a painter (7)
I believe the answer is:
sprayer
'a painter' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'small supplication' is the wordplay.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'supplication' becomes 'prayer' (synonyms).
's'+'prayer'='SPRAYER'
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sprayer that I've seen before include "Dispersing agent - aerosol" , "Device to dispense liquid as a fine mist" , "he'll paint your car" , "Atomiser" , "Device emitting fine droplets" .)