A degree Edward declined (6)

I believe the answer is:

abated

'declined' is the definition.

'a degree edward' is the wordplay.
'degree' becomes 'ba' (Bachelor of Arts).
'edward' becomes 'ted'.
'a'+'ba'+'ted'='ABATED'

(Other definitions for abated that I've seen before include "Decreased, receded" , "dropped off" , "Settled" , "Slackened off, died back" , "Slacked off, died away" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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