Some persevered, turning back days before (4)

I believe the answer is:

eves

'days before' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'some persevered turning back' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some parts of the word are used).
'turning back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'seve' can be found hidden inside 'persevered'.
'seve' reversed gives 'EVES'.

(Another definition for eves that I've seen is " Early ladies of the nights before".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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