Female holding drink pouches (8)

I believe the answer is:

marsupia

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'female holding drink pouches' is the definition.
'marsupia' can be an answer for 'pouches' (marsupium is a kind of pouch). I am not certain of the 'female holding drink' bit.

'holding drink pouches' is the wordplay.
'holding' indicates putting letters inside.
'drink' becomes 'sup' (to sup is to drink).
'pouches' becomes 'maria' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'sup' put inside 'maria' is 'MARSUPIA'.

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I've seen this clue in The Times.

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