At the beginning and the end of Arabian Nights to a degree (4)
I believe the answer is:
arts
'degree' is the definition.
(I have seen 'A degree' mean 'arts' so perhaps 'degree' could also mean 'arts')
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for arts that I've seen before include "Anagram of 19" , "they may be performing" , "Products of human creativity" , "Aesthetic pursuits or creations" , "Cultural subjects; skills" .)