that part of the human body which is immediately below the ribs or thorax; the small part of the body between the thorax and hips.-hence, the middle part of other bodies; especially (naut.), that part of a vessel's deck, bulwarks, etc., which is between the quarter-deck and the forecastle; the middle part of the ship.-a garment, or part of a garment, which covers the body from the neck or shoulders to the waist line.-a girdle or belt for the waist.