Old girl often in distress? (6)

I believe the answer is:

damsel

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'old girl' is the definition.
'damsel' can be an answer for 'girl'. I am not certain of the 'old' bit.

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for damsel that I've seen before include "Maiden, often in distress" , "Young single woman" , "Young woman (archaic)" , "An old girl, often in distress" , "Maid" .)

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