Recess \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 The state of being withdrawn; seclusion; privacy.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. & Zo["o]l.) A sinus.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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