Went back to sea (5)

I believe the answer is:

ebbed

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'went back' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for ebbed that I've seen before include "Flowed back or receded" , "Went out like tide" , "Diminished" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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