garter

[ gahr-ter ]

noun

1. alsocalledcomma British, sock suspender, suspender. an article of clothing for holding up a stocking or sock, usually an elastic band around the leg or an elastic strap hanging from a girdle or other undergarment.
2. a similar band worn to hold up a shirt sleeve.
3. a leather strap for passing through a loop at the back of a boot and buckling around the leg to keep the boot from slipping.
4. British.
   1. the badge of the Order of the Garter.
   2. membership in the Order.
   3. (initial capital letter) the Order itself.
   4. (usually initial capital letter) a member of the Order.

verb (used with object)

1. to fasten with a garter.

garter

¹

/ ˈɡɑːtə /

noun

1. a band, usually of elastic, worn round the arm or leg to hold up a shirtsleeve, sock, or stocking
2. 1. an elastic strap attached to a belt or corset having a fastener at the end, for holding up women's stockings
   2. a similar fastener attached to a garter belt worn by men in order to support socks Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)suspender
3. have someone's guts for garters
   See gut

verb

1. tr to fasten, support, or secure with or as if with a garter

Garter

²

/ ˈɡɑːtə /

noun

1. See Order of the Garter
2. sometimes not capital
   1. the badge of this Order
   2. membership of this Order

Other Words From

• garter·less adjective
• un·garter verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of garter¹

1300–50; Middle English < Old North French gartier, derivative of garet the bend of the knee < Celtic; compare Welsh gar shank, Breton gâr leg

Word History and Origins

Origin of garter¹

C14: from Old Northern French gartier, from garet bend of the knee, probably of Celtic origin

Example Sentences

I would never tell my mom, but I would wear those super big, long ’70s dresses and under, a full set: garter, stockings, corset.

From Los Angeles Times

Above us, we heard Lamont bounce off every side of the glove and garter drawer.

From Literature

For the first time, researchers — employing an innovative twist on the mirror test — have found evidence that garter snakes can distinguish themselves from others, using not sight but scent.

From New York Times

She loved gardening and even delighted in picking up garter snakes, Huestis said.

From Seattle Times

The feminine silhouette was defined by ruffles, bustles and slip dresses, complemented by men’s vests fitted with garters, oversized cloth shirts and masculine trousers.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• badge
• ribbon