Rare ways to hold left back (6)

I believe the answer is:

seldom

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

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for seldom that I've seen before include "Only occasionally" , "Not often, infrequently" , "Not very often, rarely" , "Once in a blue moon" , "on rare occasions" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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