Crossword Genius

All sides except West admit defeat, mostly settled (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ensconced

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'settled' is the definition.
('ensconce' can be a synonym of 'settle')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for ensconced that I've seen before include "in safe seat" , "Safely established" , "Settled comfortably" , "Installed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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