The word piece has three meanings, depending on the context. First, in casual use, it may mean any of the physical pieces of the set, including any of the pawns. Second, it may be used to exclude pawns, referring only to a queen, rook, bishop, or knight, and perhaps also the king. (In this case, the general term for piece or pawn is man.) Third, it may refer only to a minor piece (a bishop or knight). The context should make the intended meaning clear