Very croaky animal sound (6)

I believe the answer is:

hoarse

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

'very croaky' is the definition.
'hoarse' can be an answer for 'croaky' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'very' bit.

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hoarse that I've seen before include "Croaky" , "Raucous" , "(Of voice) rough/harsh" , "Sounding rough like a horse" , "A horse with croaking voice" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app