waist-high partition wall; breast wall
Architectural term for a low wall that divides a space without reaching the ceiling, often used in Japanese interiors. Related to 間仕切り (partition) and contrasted with 垂れ壁 (hanging wall).
We installed a waist-high partition wall between the living and dining areas to gently divide the space.
Compound of 腰 (koshi, 'waist') and 壁 (kabe, 'wall'), literally 'waist wall'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term transparently describes a wall that reaches approximately waist height.