Hang around in exotic maidens’ unmentionables (8)
I believe the answer is:
lingerie
'hang around in exotic maidens' unmentionables' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.
'hang around in exotic' is the wordplay.
'hang around' becomes 'linger' (synonyms).
'in exotic' becomes 'ie' (this might be a standard abbreviation which I don't know about).
'linger'+'ie'='LINGERIE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for lingerie that I've seen before include "Women's underwear and nightwear" , "Garments" , "Slinky undergarments" , "stockings, say?" , "Women's underwear from France" .)