Small and delicate damsel finally taking part (5)
I believe the answer is:
elfin
'small and delicate' is the definition.
(elfin means small or cute)
'damsel finally taking part' is the wordplay.
'taking part' indicates a hidden word.
'ELFIN' is hidden within 'damsel finally'.
(Other definitions for elfin that I've seen before include "Small; impish" , "little character" , "Mischievous sprite" , "Small, with delicate frame" , "Delicate, slight" .)