Help from a maiden (3)
I believe the answer is:
aid
'help' is the definition.
('aid' can be a synonym of 'help')
'from a maiden' is the wordplay.
'from' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'AID' is hidden within 'maiden'.
(Other definitions for aid that I've seen before include "Help, assistance" , "technique that can produce pregnancy" , "Good point" , "encouragement" , "grant" .)