Archaic term for a hedge or fence. Not used in modern Japanese; encountered only in classical texts or historical contexts.
In an old waka poem, one finds the expression 'flowers blooming beyond the hedge'.
Modern word for a wall or fence, typically made of wood, stone, or concrete.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji 垣 (hedge, fence) and 牆 (wall, fence) combine to form an archaic compound for a barrier or enclosure.