Some recesses (5)
I believe the answer is:
apses
'some recesses' is the definition.
(apse is a kind of recess)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for apses that I've seen before include "Does 'e pass these in churches?" , "Parts of church" , "Domed areas in church, usually where the altar is" , "Domed areas in churches" , "Domed areas in church, usually where the altars are" .)