'Smothered mate' definitions:

Definition of 'Smothered mate'

From: GCIDE

Smothered mate \Smoth"ered mate\ (Chess) Checkmate given when movement of the king is completely obstructed by his own men. This can only occur when an opponent moves a knight into a position to give a check to the king. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]