Many a service the housewife can do (4)

I believe the answer is:

darn

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'the housewife can do' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'many a service' is the wordplay.
'many' becomes 'd' ().
'service' becomes 'rn' (abbreviation for Royal Navy).
'd'+'a'+'rn'='DARN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for darn that I've seen before include "Stitch" , "Repair (sock)" , "Mend (e.g. socks)" , "Repair holes by sewing" , "Mild oath; repair (socks)" .)

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