ˈchesˌman, -_mən, -ˌmaa(ə)n noun
( plural chessmen )
Etymology: by folk etymology from earlier chesse meyne, from chesse chess + meyne company, from Middle French meyné, mesniée company, servants, from Latin mansio house — more at mansion
: one of 32 men used in chess with each player having a set of 16 consisting of 8 pieces and 8 pawns