Recess

As a noun, recess is a short break from work or school, especially for children to play. It can also mean a small, hidden space set back into a wall. As a verb, to recess means to take a break from a formal meeting or court session.

From Latin *recessus* meaning ‘a going back, retreat’, from *recedere* (to go back, withdraw). The sense of a break in activity and a space set back both come from this idea of ‘going back’ from the main area.