v.intr. 1 go or shrink back or further off. 2 be left at an increasing distance by an observer's motion. 3 slope backwards (a receding chin). 4 decline in force or value. 5 (foll. by from) withdraw from (an engagement, opinion, etc.). 6 (of a man's hair) cease to grow at the front, sides, etc.
[ ME f. L recedere (as RE-, cedere cess- go) ]