Flowed back, receded (5)
I believe the answer is:
ebbed
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'flowed back' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'receded' is the second definition.
(ebbing is a kind of receding)
(Other definitions for ebbed that I've seen before include "Went out like tide" , "Flowed back or receded" , "Diminished" .)