Little daughter beside jetty, abandoned by husband (5)
I believe the answer is:
dwarf
'little' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for dwarf that I've seen before include "Gimli, for one" , "Small person or star" , "Lilliputian" , "Stunt the growth of" , "Miniature variety of a plant or animal" .)