Hide away or gradually let out (7)

I believe the answer is:

secrete

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'hide away' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for secrete that I've seen before include "Hide - discharge" , "Hold and send out substance into the body as gland does" , "Hide or conceal an object" , "squirrel" , "Release bodily fluid" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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