garter
UK[ˈɡɑːtə]US[ˈɡɑːrtər]
n
A band, typically elastic, worn around the leg to keep a stocking or sock up.
n
(Chiefly US) A suspender for holding up a sock or stocking.
n
The badge of the Order of the Garter, or the order itself.
Morpheme Breakdown
gart
er
gart
the bend of the knee
er
Etymology
The word "garter" entered English in the 14th century from the Old North French garetier, itself derived from garet, meaning "the bend of the knee". This French term is believed to have a Gaulish (Celtic) substrate origin, referring to the part of the body where the item was worn. The English form added the native suffix "-er", common for tools or objects associated with an action or location, thus creating a word for the band that fastens at the knee. Its most famous cultural elevation came when it was adopted as the name for England's highest order of chivalry, the Order of the Garter, allegedly inspired by an incident involving a lady's garter.
Analysis
Structure: gart + er
- gart: From Old North French garet, meaning "the bend of the knee". Origin is likely Gaulish (Celtic).
- er: An Anglo-Saxon (Old English) agent or instrumental noun suffix, indicating "something that performs an action or is associated with a place".
Examples
She wore a lace garter just above her knee.
His socks kept falling down because he lost a garter.
He was honored to be appointed a Knight of the Garter.