Crossword Genius

Vilified female, a maiden caught in the act (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

defamed

'vilified' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'female a maiden caught in the act' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (abbreviation).
'maiden' becomes 'm' (cricket abbreviation).
'caught in' is an insertion indicator.
'the act' becomes 'deed' (deed is a kind of act).
'f'+'a'+'m'='fam'
'fam' put into 'deed' is 'DEFAMED'.

(Other definitions for defamed that I've seen before include "libelled" , "Maligned (someone)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.