Smallest born escapes from animal by lake (5)
I believe the answer is:
least
This clue could be a double definition.
'smallest' is the first definition.
(synonyms)
'born escapes from animal by lake' is the second definition.
The answer and definition are different parts of speech. However, past participle verbs and adjectives can occasionally define each other.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for least that I've seen before include "Bottom" , "Being lowest in importance - gone stale" , "Smallest, being stale" , "Smallest, slightest" , "Smallest in extent" .)