Crossword Genius

Spooner's badger set forth — became still (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stagnated

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'became still' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with fundamental existence as well as being past participle verbs.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stagnated that I've seen before include "progressed no further" , "Stood still" , "made no progress" , "Vegetated" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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