Country area less than a mile across (3)

I believe the answer is:

lea

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'country' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'area less than a mile across' is the wordplay.
'LEA' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lea that I've seen before include "Field" , "grazing area" , "Tract of pastureland" , "Pasture, London river" , "Open country" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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