Garter

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɑːtə/

Definitions

1. An elastic or fabric band used to hold stockings in place on the leg ; a decorative ribbon or emblem worn historically as a symbol of honor or membership in certain orders
2. A stretchable strap designed to keep stockings securely positioned on the leg ; a ceremonial ribbon or badge historically worn to signify association with a prestigious group
3. A flexible band that fastens around the leg to support stockings ; an ornamental ribbon worn in medieval times as a mark of chivalry or allegiance

Etymology: The garter that holds up a sock has a leg-bone for its ancestor. Its roots lie in a Celtic word for the calf or shank of the leg, *garros, which the Gauls spoke and which survives in Welsh "garr," Irish "gairr," and Cornish "gar," all meaning the lower leg. The Latin-speaking world never took the word, so it came into English through the French of the Normans. Old French had "garet" and "jartier," a band for the leg, and English borrowed the form "gartier" from the northern dialect of Old French, reaching Middle English as "garter." The Gauls' word for a shin thus gave English a band worn just below the knee. Modern French keeps the connection in "jarretière," a garter, and "jarret," the back of the knee, which show the same root in a different place on the leg.

Synonyms: suspender, band, strap