Crossword Genius

Very lawful petition (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

solicit

'petition' is the definition.
(both can mean to request or implore)

'very lawful' is the wordplay.
'very' becomes 'so' (both can mean 'extremely').
'lawful' becomes 'licit' (synonyms).
'so'+'licit'='SOLICIT'

(Other definitions for solicit that I've seen before include "Ask earnestly about colitis" , "Drum up business" , "Request urgently and/or persistently" , "Make request (for business etc)" , "Ask (someone) for something" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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