The girl alas in retreat releasing the odd cry (5)
I believe the answer is:
aargh
'cry' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
I can't explain the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for aargh that I've seen before include "Exclamation of frustration or rage" , "Yell of dismay" , "that's dreadful!" , "Expression of dismay" , "I'm so exasperated!" .)