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recess

1. A withdrawing or retiring; a moving back; retreat; as, the recess of the tides. Every degree of ignorance being so far a recess and degradation from rationality. (south) My recess hath given them confidence that I may be conquered. (Eikon Basilike)

2. The state of being withdrawn; seclusion; privacy. In the recess of the jury they are to consider the evidence. (Sir M. Hale) Good verse recess and solitude requires. (Dryden)

3. Remission or suspension of business or procedure; intermission, as of a legislative body, court, or school. The recess of . . . Parliament lasted six weeks. (Macaulay)

4. Part of a room formed by the receding of the wall, as an alcove, niche, etc. A bed which stood in a deep recess. (W. Irving)

5. A place of retirement, retreat, secrecy, or seclusion. Departure from his happy place, our sweet Recess, and only consolation left. (milton)

6. Secret or abstruse part; as, the difficulties and recesses of science.

7. (Science: botany) A sinus.

Origin: L. Recessus, fr. Recedere, recessum. See Recede.