noun. A recess or partly enclosed extension connected to or forming part of a room.

noun. A secluded structure, such as a bower, in a garden.

noun. A covered recess.

noun. A recess in an escarpment formed by the more rapid retrogressive erosion of one part than of another.

noun. A recessed portion of a room, or a small room opening into a larger one; especially, a recess to contain a bed; a lateral recess in a library.

noun. A small ornamental building with seats, or an arched seat, in a pleasure ground; a garden bower.

noun. Any natural recess analogous to an alcove or recess in an apartment.

noun. A small recessed area set off from a larger room.

noun. a small recess opening off a larger room

"Within the alcove is my ebony rod, wound with the silver serpent."