Game in Malta gripping (3)
I believe the answer is:
tag
'game' is the definition.
(I know that tag is a type of child\\u0027s game)
'in malta gripping' is the wordplay.
'in' indicates a hidden word.
'TAG' is hidden in the letters of 'malta gripping'.
(Other definitions for tag that I've seen before include "Identity badge" , "flap" , "Earmark" , "Ticket" , "Label - children's game" .)