GARTER

A band used to prevent a stocking from slipping down on the leg.

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.

Same as Bendlet. Garter fish (Zoöl.), a fish of the genus Lepidopus, having a long, flat body, like the blade of a sword; the scabbard fish. -- Garter king-at-arms, the chief of the official heralds of England, king-at-arms to the Order of the Garter; -- often abbreviated to Garter. -- Garter snake (Zoöl.), one of several harmless American snakes of the genus Eutænia, of several species (esp. E. saurita and E. sirtalis); one of the striped snakes; -- so called from its conspicuous stripes of color.

To bind with a garter. He . . . could not see to garter his hose. Shak.

To invest with the Order of the Garter. T. Warton.