Crossword Genius

Started to plead over article (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

began

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

'plead over article' is the wordplay.
'plead' becomes 'beg' (begging is a kind of pleading).
'over' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'article' becomes 'an' (indefinite article).
'beg'+'an'='BEGAN'

'to' is the link.

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

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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