Crossword Genius

In theory, no friend receives maidens at home (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nominally

'in theory' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'no friend receives maidens at home' is the wordplay.
'friend' becomes 'ally' (an ally is a friend or supporter).
'receives' indicates putting letters inside (inserted letters are received).
'maidens' becomes 'm' (cricket abbreviation).
'at home' becomes 'in' ('I'm in' can mean 'I'm at home').
'no'+'ally'='noally'
'm'+'in'='min'
'noally' enclosing 'min' is 'NOMINALLY'.

(Other definitions for nominally that I've seen before include "In theory" , "In name only" , "Theoretically" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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