Crossword Genius

Game's ending pal! (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mate

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

This might be a double definition.

'game's ending' is the first definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how they can define each other.

'pal' is the second definition.
(both can mean a friend)

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mate that I've seen before include "provides solution to chess problem" , "Perhaps the wife" , "Match" , "Final move in chess" , "couple" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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