What does the cryptic crossword clue "Besmirch quisling in retreat (3)" mean?

The definition is "Besmirch". The wordplay uses a reversal. RAT (reversal="traitor=”quisling” reversed/”in retreat”") = TAR; definition: "Besmirch" The answer is TAR.

Besmirch quisling in retreat (3)

Guardian Cryptic #29346 | 17 Across | 2024-04-02 flower

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