garter Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a band (usually elastic) worn around the leg to hold up a stocking (or around the arm to hold up a sleeve)
    supporter.
  2. verb fasten with or as if with a garter

WordNet

Gar"ter noun
Etymology
OE. gartier, F. jarretière, fr. OF. garet bend of the knee, F. jarret; akin to Sp. garra claw, Prov. garra leg. See Garrote.
Definitions
  1. A band used to prevent a stocking from slipping down on the leg.
  2. The distinguishing badge of the highest order of knighthood in Great Britain, called the Order of the Garter, instituted by Edward III.; also, the Order itself.
  3. (Her.) Same as Bendlet.
Gar"ter transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Gartered ; present participle & verbal noun Gartering
Definitions
  1. To bind with a garter.
    He . . . could not see to garter his hose. Shak.
  2. To invest with the Order of the Garter. T. Warton.

Webster 1913