n. & v.
n. 1 a small, esp. sheltered, bay or creek. 2 a sheltered recess. 3 Archit. a concave arch or arched moulding, esp. one formed at the junction of a wall with a ceiling.
v.tr. Archit. 1 provide (a room, ceiling, etc.) with a cove. 2 slope (the sides of a fireplace) inwards.
[ OE cofa chamber f. Gmc ]