The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word NYMPH
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
N
Y
M
P
H
More clues leading to the result NYMPH
- Pretty girl: note my rising power over hearts
- US state plan to oust a hot maiden
- Beautiful woman in New York taking speed?
- First and foremost in nature you may perceive her?
- State representative hot for young temptress
- Spirited girl has my back in northern pub
- Spirit Nicky drained with speed?
- Daphne may be extremely naughty on speed
- State speed with which goddess becomes manifest
- Speed past US city as young maiden
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "maiden" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case maiden = nymph.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does NYMPH mean?
NYMPH noun- (Greek, Roman) Any female nature spirit associated with water, forests, grotto, wind, etc.
- A young girl, especially one who is attractive, beautiful or graceful.
- The larva of certain insects.
- Any of various butterflies of the family Nymphalidae.