Crossword Genius

Every seven days, leader apparently turned up submissively (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

meekly

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

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for meekly that I've seen before include "In submissive or passive manner" , "In a mild and submissive manner" , "In gentle, acquiescent manner" , "Humbly" , "In a submissive way" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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