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Garter

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

2. 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.

3. Same as Bendlet. Garter fish, one of several harmless American snakes of the genus Eutaenia, of several species (especially. E. Saurita and E. Sirtalis); one of the striped snakes; so called from its conspicuous stripes of colour.

Origin: oe. Gartier, f. Jarretiere, fr. OF. Garet bend of the knee, f. Jarret; akin to sp. Garra claw, Prov. Garra leg. See Garrote.