Maidservant struggles and takes note (11)

I believe the answer is:

animadverts

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'takes note' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I don't see how they can define each other.

'maidservant struggles' is the wordplay.
'struggles' indicates anagramming the letters.
'maidservant' is an anagram of 'ANIMADVERTS'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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