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.