Taken back though retired (9)
I believe the answer is:
withdrawn
This clue is a double definition.
'taken back' is the first definition.
('withdraw' can be a synonym of 'take back')
'retired' is the second definition.
('withdraw' can be a synonym of 'retire')
'though' is the link.
(Other definitions for withdrawn that I've seen before include "Pulled out of" , "Shrinking" , "Private" , "Discontinued; shunning social contact" , "Rather shy" .)