State to wobble after leader deposed (4)

I believe the answer is:

aver

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

'state' is the definition.
(both can mean to declare)

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for aver that I've seen before include "protest" , "Maintain - assert - allege" , "State firmly - even rave about" , "State firmly, declare" , "Say firmly, declare" .)

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

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.