Some defer — ever entirely respectful (8)
I believe the answer is:
reverent
'respectful' is the definition.
('reverent' can be similar in meaning to 'respectful')
'some defer ever entirely' is the wordplay.
'some' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'REVERENT' can be found hidden inside 'defer ever entirely'.
(Other definitions for reverent that I've seen before include "humble" , "Showing holy respect" , "showing much respect" , "Showing great respect" , "Showing profound respect" .)