Indian army, one cowardly almost in retreat (4)

I believe the answer is:

sena

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

'indian army' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for sena that I've seen before include "Indian army" , "Indian military" , "Paramilitary army in India" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times and The Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app