recession

n. [ L. recessio, fr. recedere, recessum. See Recede. ] 1. The act of receding or withdrawing, as from a place, a claim, or a demand. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

Mercy may rejoice upon the recessions of justice. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Economics) A period during which economic activity, as measured by gross domestic product, declines for at least two quarters in a row in a specific country. If the decline is severe and long, such as greater than ten percent, it may be termed a depression. [ PJC ]

3. A procession in which people leave a ceremony, such as at a religious service. [ PJC ]

n. [ Pref. re- + cession. ] The act of ceding back; restoration; repeated cession; as, the recession of conquered territory to its former sovereign. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or pertaining to recession or withdrawal. [ 1913 Webster ]

Recessional hymn, a hymn sung in a procession returning from the choir to the robing room; a recessional. [ 1913 Webster ]