Maiden hugged assistant (4)

I believe the answer is:

aide

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

'maiden hugged' is the wordplay.
'AIDE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I'm uncertain how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for aide that I've seen before include "Right-hand man/woman" , "Adviser or assistant" , "Political assistant" , "Assistant to a more senior person" , "Officer's assistant" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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