Conducted an examination in favour of retirement? (6)
I believe the answer is:
probed
'conducted an examination' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with contact as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'in favour of retirement?' is the wordplay.
'in favour of' becomes 'pro' (being pro a particular cause).
'retirement?' becomes 'bed'.
'pro'+'bed'='PROBED'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for probed that I've seen before include "Did research" , "Physically examined" , "Searched" , "Investigating closely" , "Questioned or examined thoroughly and closely" .)