Crossword Genius

Authentic maiden in kingdom (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

realm

'kingdom' is the definition.
(kingdom is a type of country or realm)

'authentic maiden' is the wordplay.
'authentic' becomes 'real' (I've seen this before).
'maiden' becomes 'm' (cricket abbreviation).
'real'+'m'='REALM'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for realm that I've seen before include "Peers are possessed by this" , "Kingdom, or field of activity" , "A Nation" , "the UK, perhaps" , "Area of interest/activity" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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