Crossword Genius

Followers referring to recalled Eastern unit (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

retinue

'followers' is the definition.
(retinue can mean an important person's followers)

'referring to recalled eastern unit' is the wordplay.
'referring to' becomes 're' ('re' means regarding or about).
'recalled' says the letters should be written in reverse (to recall can mean to bring something back).
'eastern' becomes 'e'.
'e'+'unit'='eunit'
'eunit' backwards is 'tinue'.
're'+'tinue'='RETINUE'

(Other definitions for retinue that I've seen before include "Group around VIP" , "Body of retainers" , "Body of attendants" , "Group attending a person" , "Group of attendants for VIP" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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