noun

garter

GAR-ter/ˈɡɑːrtər/

A band worn around the leg to hold up clothing or for decoration.

The garter circles the man's calf and clips to his sock to hold it up.

Close-up of a man's calf wearing a sock garter: a narrow band circles the bare calf, with a short downward strap visibly clipped to the sock's upper edge, holding it up.
Etymology

Gartier named a band worn around the knee and derives from a word for the knee’s bend. The stocking support is thus named for its position on the leg.

In context

RosaLorenBridal1:28
her garter off and tossing it to the guests for luck.
What is the Tradition of the Garter Toss

More examples

  • The garter keeps her stocking from slipping down.
  • The bride chooses a blue garter to match her shoes.
  • These elastic garters fit snugly just below the knees.

Forms

garter · garters

Similar words

band
A general strip or loop, not specifically a leg accessory.