Al"cove [F. alcove, Sp. or Pg. alcoba, from Ar. al-quobbah arch, vault, tent.]

1. Arch.

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.

2.

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

Cowper.

3.

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

The youthful wanderers found a wild alcove. Falconer.

© Webster 1913.