Some maid Edward helped (5)
I believe the answer is:
aided
'helped' is the definition.
('aid' can be a synonym of 'help')
'some maid edward' is the wordplay.
'some' says the answer is hidden in the clue (some of the parts of the word are used).
'AIDED' is hidden in the letters of 'maid edward'.
(Other definitions for aided that I've seen before include "'Assisted, helped (5)'" , "given assistance" , "not under their own steam?" .)