alcove

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alcove.
1. Large niche.

2. Recess or part of a chamber defined by an estrade, partition, or balustrade, for a bed.

3. Arched recess or niche in the wall of any building or room.

4. Covered retreat, bower, summer-house, or recess in a wall or hedge in a garden or pleasure-ground provided with seats. From the Arabic for a ‘vaulted chamber’.

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