Shakespearean villain trapping maiden for mature monarch, say (5)
I believe the answer is:
imago
'mature monarch say' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.
'shakespearean villain trapping maiden' is the wordplay.
'shakespearean villain' becomes 'iago' (I've seen this before).
'trapping' indicates putting letters inside.
'maiden' becomes 'm' (cricket abbreviation).
'iago' enclosing 'm' is 'IMAGO'.
'for' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for imago that I've seen before include "Final stage of insect development" , "Adult stage of an insect, typically winged" , "Sexually mature adult insect" , "Eg monarch finally seen" , "spinner, say" .)