Crossword Genius

Inclined to be subdued (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bowed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'inclined' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'be subdued' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'be' could be 'owe' (owing is a kind of being) and 'owe' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bowed that I've seen before include "Made obeisance" , "as basses often are?" , "Was on the fiddle" , "Played like a cello" , "violin played thus?" .)

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