Place cleared, happy to be comforted (5)

I believe the answer is:

eased

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'be comforted' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for eased that I've seen before include "Made less stressful or difficult" , "Given relief" , "relented" , "Lessened, pain or discomfort, say" , "Slackened off" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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