Re‐cess″ (rē̍‐sĕs″), 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 The state of being withdrawn; seclusion; privacy.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 this 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. & Zoöl.) A sinus.