Crossword Genius

Bishops brought on board? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chessmen

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

'bishops' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'on board?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'board?' could be 'chess' (chess board is a kind of board) and 'chess' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'men' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'brought' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for chessmen that I've seen before include "Knights, bishops, rooks etc" , "Pawns, queens, rooks etc" , "Board pieces" , "Bishops and knights, say" , "Knights, rooks, pawns etc collectively - even the queen" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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