n. & v.
--n.
1. a space set back in a wall; a niche.
2 (often in pl.) a remote or secret place (the innermost recesses).
3 a temporary cessation from work, esp. of Parliament, or US of a lawcourt or during a school day.
4 Anat. a fold or indentation in an organ.
5 Geog. a receding part of a mountain chain etc.
--v.
1. tr. make a recess in.
2 tr. place in a recess; set back.
3 US a intr. take a recess; adjourn. b tr. order a temporary cessation from the work of (a court etc.).
Etymology: L recessus (as RECEDE)