What does the cryptic crossword clue "Maiden in church to act in affected manner (5)" mean?

The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). M (synonym="Maiden, cricket scoring abbreviation") + IN (synonym="from surface") + CE (synonym="Church of England") = MINCE The answer is MINCE.

Maiden in church to act in affected manner (5)

Guardian Cryptic #29666 | 23 Down | 2025-04-11 flower

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