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partition

1. The act of parting or dividing; the state of being parted; separation; division; distribution; as, the partition of a kingdom. And good from bad find no partition. (Shak)

2. That which divides or separates; that by which different things, or distinct parts of the same thing, are separated; separating boundary; dividing line or space; specifically, an interior wall dividing one part or apartment of a house, an inclosure, or the like, from another; as, a brick partition; lath and plaster partitions. No sight could pass Betwixt the nice partitions of the grass. (Dryden)

3. A part divided off by walls; an apartment; a compartment. Lodged in a small partition.

4. The servance of common or undivided interests, particularly in real estate. It may be effected by consent of parties, or by compulsion of law.

5. A score.

(Science: mathematics) Partition of numbers, the resolution of integers into parts subject to given conditions.

Origin: F. Partition, L. Partitio. See Part.