This is the 13978th most frequent German word.
gebettelt
"Gebettelt" means "begged" in English.
In this sentence, 'gebettelt' indicates the action of begging, specifically pleading for food.
Er hat vor dem Laden um Essen gebettelt.
He begged for food in front of the store.
Here, 'gebettelt' is used metaphorically to illustrate persistent requests by the children.
Die Kinder haben so lange gebettelt, bis sie das Spielzeug bekamen.
The children begged so long until they got the toy.
In this context, 'gebettelt' reflects an act of humbling oneself to request aid.