recessingn.
/rᵻˈsɛsɪŋ/, U.S. /ˈriˌsɛsɪŋ/, /rəˈsɛsɪŋ/, /riˈsɛsɪŋ/ The action of recess v.2 (in various senses); the state or condition of being recessed or set back.Frequently used with reference to architectural or ornamental features.
ΚΠ
1828 Christian Rev. & Clerical Mag. 241 The portico is beautiful in itself, and has a bold and noble projection, the effect of which is skilfully heightened by the recessing of the back wall.
1843 G. R. Gliddon Anc. Egypt (1847) 79 Being used horizontally their tendency is to give size and width; a tendency the excess of which is skilfully counteracted in the recessing of the windows.
1917 Jrnl. Rom. Stud. 7 12 We may see clearly the tendency of the second Attic school in the recessing of the eyes.
1986 F. Underwood & G. Warr in A. Limon et al. Home Owner Man. (ed. 2) ii. v. 201 The front edge of the bench will need a certain amount of recessing.
2003 M. Moffet et al. World Hist. Archit. xi. 323 The normally illogical recessing of columns into a wall would seem to be a Mannerist invention.
Compounds
attributive, esp. with reference to tools used for creating recesses in wood or other materials.
ΚΠ
1873 C. P. B. Shelley Workshop Appliances 223 The first [pin-drill], with three cutting edges,..being sometimes called a recessing-bitt.
1946 W. B. McKay Joinery i. 24 Another form of vertical boring machine is known as a router or recessing machine.
1963 R. W. Bolz Production Processes 122 There is almost no limitation to the scope of the form generating, back shoulder and back recessing work which can be accomplished.
1997 Metalworking Production Apr. 66c (advt.) The most economical facing and recessing tool on the market.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1828