—n.
1 a band worn to keep a sock or stocking up.
2 (the Garter) Brit. a the highest order of English knighthood. b the badge of this. c membership of this.
3 US a suspender for a sock or stocking.
—v.tr. fasten (a stocking) or encircle (a leg) with a garter.
Phrases and idioms:
garter-belt US a suspender belt. Garter King of Arms see King of Arms. garter-snake any water-snake of the genus Thamnophis, native to N. America, having lengthwise stripes. garter stitch a plain knitting stitch or pattern, forming ridges in alternate rows.
Etymology: ME f. OF gartier f. garet bend of the knee
Useful english dictionary. 2012.