Crossword Genius

A ship that carries goods ashore (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ass

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a ship that carries goods ashore' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.

'a ship that carries' is the wordplay.
'ship' becomes 'SS' (prefix in ship names eg SS Great Britain).
'that carries' says to put letters next to each other (in a down clue, some letters go beneath others).
'a'+'ss'='ASS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ass that I've seen before include "Wally" , "Donkey or silly person" , "One in Bible spoke" , "sap" , "Silly fool or beast of burden" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app