Re*cess" (?), n. [L. recessus, fr. recedere, recessum. See Recede.]
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The state of being withdrawn; seclusion; privacy.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.
I. Watts.
7. Bot. & Zool.
A sinus.
© Webster 1913.
Re*cess", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Recessed; p. pr. & vb. n. Recessing.]
To make a recess in; as, to recess a wall.
© Webster 1913.
Re*cess", n. [G.]
A decree of the imperial diet of the old German empire.
Brande & C.
© Webster 1913.