Crossword Genius

Started to plead over a point (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

began

'started' is the definition.
('begin' can be a synonym of 'start')

'plead over a point' is the wordplay.
'plead' becomes 'beg' (begging is a kind of pleading).
'over' says to put letters next to each other.
'point' becomes 'n' (N is an example).
'beg'+'a'+'n'='BEGAN'

'to' is the link.

(Another definition for began that I've seen is " Commenced, started".)

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