Crossword Genius

Characters get the bends (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

esses

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'the bends' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for esses that I've seen before include "Links" , "letters" .)

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