Crossword Genius

Bishop’s ship’s woody exterior (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

bark

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'woody exterior' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

'bishop's ship's' is the wordplay.
'bishop' becomes 'B' (abbreviation used in chess).
'ship' becomes 'ark' (I've seen this in other clues).
'b'+'ark'='BARK'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for bark that I've seen before include "Cry; surface of tree" , "Bay" , "Sound from animal < having part of tree" , "Yap" , "Dog's cry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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