Greatly respect American folk hero (6)
I believe the answer is:
revere
This clue might be a double definition.
'greatly respect' is the first definition.
(I know that to revere is to abide by greatly)
'american folk hero' is the second definition.
'revere' can be an answer for 'hero' (I have seen 'American hero' mean 'revere' so perhaps 'hero' could also mean 'revere'). I am unsure of the 'american folk' bit.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for revere that I've seen before include "Feel religious veneration for" , "Pay homage to" , "Honour greatly" , "Hold in great respect" , "Worship and adore" .)