Crossword Genius

Female lost to prettier maiden (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

airer

'maiden' is the definition.
(maiden is a type of clothes airer)

'female lost to prettier' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'lost to' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'prettier' becomes 'fairer' (I've seen this before).
'fairer' with 'f' taken out is 'AIRER'.

(Other definitions for airer that I've seen before include "What launderers may use" , "Broadcaster" , "Clothes-drying frame" , "Frame for drying clothes" , "Laundry-drying frame" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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