Crossword Genius

Got together and stymied any moves by the king (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

mated

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

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

'stymied any moves by the king' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'by' could be 'at' and 'at' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'med' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for mated that I've seen before include "Defeated in game" , "had sex" , "Joined, connected" , "given match" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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