Damaged pedal became less important (5)

I believe the answer is:

paled

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'less important' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'damaged pedal' is the wordplay.
'damaged' indicates anagramming the letters.
'pedal' is an anagram of 'PALED'.

'became' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for paled that I've seen before include "Went white, lost facial colour" , "Went white or ashen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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