Crossword Genius

Maiden held assistant (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aide

'assistant' is the definition.
(aide is a kind of assistant)

'maiden held' is the wordplay.
'held' indicates a hidden word.
'AIDE' is hidden in the letters of 'maiden'.

(Other definitions for aide that I've seen before include "Personal assistant in the military" , "Helper" , "one helping" , "someone in assistance" , "Leader's assistant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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