Crossword Genius

Give an appraisal of Jenny? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

assess

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

'give an appraisal of jenny?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'of jenny?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'jenny?' could be 'ass' (jenny is a female ass) and 'ass' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'ess' is a valid word 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 assess that I've seen before include "Estimate value (for tax)" , "Remedy for all ills" , "Gauge, evaluate" , "Reckon value" , "'Evaluate, appraise (6)'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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