Help from maiden (3)
I believe the answer is:
aid
'help' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'from maiden' is the wordplay.
'from' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'AID' is hidden in the letters of 'maiden'.
(Other definitions for aid that I've seen before include "technique that can produce pregnancy" , "Good point" , "Help, assistance" , "Help. Assist" , "Auxiliary" .)