Crossword Genius

Bits of old verse periodically appearing as part of today's theme (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

odes

'bits of old verse' is the definition.
'odes' can be an answer for 'verse' (I've seen this before). I'm not sure about the 'bits of old' bit.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for odes that I've seen before include "Works by Pindar" , "Verses" , "Lays" , "poetry" , "Lines" .)

I've seen this clue in the Independent.
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