The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ENTREATY
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
E
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A
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More clues leading to the result ENTREATY
- Plea to dine among competitors
- Request core part of French agreement
- Request agreement in support of reduction in target
- Take food into doorway for begging
- Petition to refuse ousting leader about indulgence
- Petition to dine among competitors
- Request to dine in the lobby
- Jobcentre at York covers application for assistance
- Request breakfast, record sandwiches
- Appeal of centre at York
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "application for assistance" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case application for assistance = entreaty.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ENTREATY mean?
ENTREATY noun- The act of entreating or beseeching; a strong petition; pressing solicitation; begging.
- A treatment; reception; entertainment.