Always heartily cheered? (3)

I believe the answer is:

eer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

(Other definitions for eer that I've seen before include "Before, poetically speaking (1'2)" , "Ever to the poet (3)." , "Always (poetic)" , "Ever poetically" , "Always (poetical)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app