The Collaborative International Dictionary
Garter \Gar"ter\, n. [OE. gartier, F. jarreti[`e]re, fr. OF. garet bend of the knee, F. jarret; akin to Sp. garra claw, Prov. garra leg. See Garrote.]
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.
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(Her.) Same as Bendlet.
Garter fish (Zo["o]l.), 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 (Zo["o]l.), one of several harmless American snakes of the genus Eut[ae]nia, of several species (esp. E. saurita and E. sirtalis); one of the striped snakes; -- so called from its conspicuous stripes of color.