I. ˈgär-tər noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French gareter, from garet thigh, shank, of Celtic origin; akin to Welsh gar shank
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : a band worn to hold up a stocking or sock
b. : a band worn to hold up a shirt sleeve
c. : a strap hanging from a girdle or corset to support a stocking
2. capitalized
a. : the British Order of the Garter ; also : the blue velvet garter that is its badge
b. : membership in the order
II. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
: to support with or as if with a garter