Crossword Genius

French born (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nee

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

'french born' is the definition.
('born' in French)

'born' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'born' could be 'ne' ('born' in French - used to indicate a birth name) and 'ne' is found within the answer.
A single letter 'e' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nee that I've seen before include "Born (to indicate maiden name)" , "Prefix denoting woman's unmarried name" , "Adjective meaning born, followed by maiden name" , "Prefix indicating maiden name of married woman" , "Born (female)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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