Recess

Recess Re*cess" (r[-e]*s[e^]s"), n. [L. recessus, fr. recedere, recessum. See {Recede}.] 1. A withdrawing or retiring; a moving back; retreat; as, the recess of the tides. [1913 Webster]

Every degree of ignorance being so far a recess and degradation from rationality. --South. [1913 Webster]

My recess hath given them confidence that I may be conquered. --Eikon Basilike. [1913 Webster]

2. The state of being withdrawn; seclusion; privacy. [1913 Webster]

In the recess of the jury they are to consider the evidence. --Sir M. Hale. [1913 Webster]

Good verse recess and solitude requires. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]

3. Remission or suspension of business or procedure; intermission, as of a legislative body, court, or school; as, the children were allowed to play in the school yard during recess. [1913 Webster]

The recess of . . . Parliament lasted six weeks. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

4. Part of a room formed by the receding of the wall, as an alcove, niche, etc. [1913 Webster]

A bed which stood in a deep recess. --W. Irving. [1913 Webster]

5. A place of retirement, retreat, secrecy, or seclusion. [1913 Webster]

Departure from this happy place, our sweet Recess, and only consolation left. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

6. Secret or abstruse part; as, the difficulties and recesses of science; the deepest recesses of the mind. --I. Watts. [1913 Webster +PJC]

7. (Bot. & Zo["o]l.) A sinus. [1913 Webster]