Crossword Genius

Bottom of the French class? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

derriere

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

'bottom' is the definition.
(I know that bottom can be written as derriere)

'the french class?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'class?' could be 're' (Religious Education, school subject) and 're' is located in the answer.
'the french' could be 'de' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'de' is located in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'of' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for derriere that I've seen before include "One's backside in France" , "(French?) behind" , "Seat" , "Fourteen down's [FRENCHMAN] behind" , "A French backside or buttocks" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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