Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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 The state of being withdrawn; seclusion; privacy.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.
\Re*cess"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Recessed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Recessing}.] To make a recess in; as, to recess a wall.
\Re*cess"\, n. [G.] A decree of the imperial diet of the old German empire. --Brande & C.