gar´ter|less

gar|ter «GAHR tuhr», noun, verb.

–n.

a band or strap to hold up a stocking or sock. It is usually elastic.

–v.t.

to fasten with a garter: »

Women used to the standard welt…were gartering in the sheer part of the stocking and getting runs (New York Times).

╂[< Old French gartier < garet band of the knee, perhaps < Celtic (compare Welsh gār leg)]

–gar´ter|less, adjective.

Gar|ter «GAHR tuhr», noun.

1. (Order of) the, the oldest and most important order of knighthood in Great Britain, established about 1349.

2. a badge of this order.

3. membership in it.

4. = Garter King-of-Arms. (Cf. ↑Garter King-of-Arms)