Crossword Genius

Head off to relax around start of parliamentary recess (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

apse

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'recess' is the definition.
(apse is a kind of recess)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for apse that I've seen before include "Part of a church with the altar" , "In sacred space" , "Church area" , "Offshoot from the choir, nave or aisle in a church" , "Recess at east end of church" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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