It has been used poetically before this time (6)

I believe the answer is:

erenow

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

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

(Other definitions for erenow that I've seen before include "Hitherto" , "Before the present" , "Before this time (arch.)" , "Before this time (poet.)" , "previously" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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