中なか立だち

noun

break between light meal and tea serving in formal tea ceremony

Specific term in the context of a formal tea ceremony (茶事). Refers to the interval after the light meal (懐石) and before the thick tea (濃茶) is served, during which guests may rest or refresh.

• 中なか立だちの間あいだに、客きゃくは庭にわに出でて一ひと息いきつく。

  During the break between the light meal and the tea serving, the guests go out into the garden to take a breather.