Base set apart — moving operating tables (7)
I believe the answer is:
ignoble
'base' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ignoble that I've seen before include "not in the top class" , "I belong to low sort" , "Lacking dignity" , "'Dishonourable, mean (7)'" , "Unworthy" .)