recessn.[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 The state of being withdrawn; seclusion; privacy.()In the recess of the jury they are to consider the evidence.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; as, the children were allowed to play in the school yard during recess.()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; the deepest recesses of the mind.(I. Watts.)7. (Bot. & Zol.) A sinus.()v. t. To make a recess in; as, to recess a wall.()n.[G.] A decree of the imperial diet of the old German empire.(Brande & C.)