Died, removing arrow - periodically being covered in mud, for example (5)

I believe the answer is:

caked

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'covered in mud for example' is the definition.
(as in being caked in mud)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for caked that I've seen before include "Covered with mud" , "sponged?" , "Encrusted" , "Thickly smeared" , "laid on thick" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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