Crossword Genius

Odious ultimately servile character, one lacking initiative (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sheep

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

'one lacking initiative' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'odious ultimately servile character' is the wordplay.
'odious' becomes 'she' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'ultimately' suggests the final letters.
'character' becomes 'p'.
The last letter of 'servile' is 'e'.
'she'+'e'+'p'='SHEEP'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sheep that I've seen before include "Cotswolds?" , "- may safely graze (Bach)" , "Eg, a merino" , "Source of mutton" , "Ruminant animal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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