Ăl'cōve or Al-cōve', n.
(Synop., § 130), n. [Fr. alcove, It. alcova, Sp. alcoba, Pg. alcova, alcoba, Ar. al-gubbah, arch, vault, tent, from gabba, to arch.]
Sense 1. A recess, or part of a room, separated by a partition of columns, or by other corresponding ornaments, and containing a bed of state, or seats for company.
Sense 2. A recess for books, as in a library.
Sense 3. A covered building, or recess, in a garden; pleasure-ground, grove, &c. [Rare.]
The youthful wanderers found a wild alcove. Falconer.
Sense 4. A recess or niche for a statue.