Burrowing creature — assess length (5)

I believe the answer is:

ratel

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

'burrowing creature' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'assess length' is the wordplay.
'assess' becomes 'rate' (rating is a kind of assessing).
'length' becomes 'l' (**).
'rate'+'l'='RATEL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ratel that I've seen before include "Honey-badger" , "one wanting honey" , "Musteline mammal" , "wild animal" , "Badger-like animal" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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