But evidently it does merit some belief (3)
I believe the answer is:
lie
'but evidently it does merit' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'some belief' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'LIE' is hidden within 'belief'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lie that I've seen before include "Whopper" , "habitat for animal or bird" , "Tell porkies" , "Fib - be prone" , "Mistruth" .)