n. & v.
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. 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.
[ ME f. OF gartier f. garet bend of the knee ]