garter

noun

1. A band worn around the leg to hold up a sock or stocking.
2. A bendlet.
3. (Philippines)An elastic band encircling any article of clothing.
4. (obsolete)One of a set of tapes stretched out horizontally for acrobats and equestrians to leap over as part of a circus act or display of skill.

   “GRAND TRAMPOLINE, by Mr KING, (from Astley's Amphitheatre, London) who will introduce a great variety of leaps. Somerset 1 - Somerset in the Air - while in that position lie will fire two pistols. Somerset 2 - Over garters 12 feet high.”

   “Mrs. Ashton will then make her entree in a beautiful act of equestrianism, entitled "The Mountain Maid," on a rapid courser, taking an aerial flight through hoops, and over garters, &c.”

   “Madame HENRIQUES, the greatest Female Rider of the present day over Garters, Banners, through Hoops, Balloons, &c., &c, will appear every evening in her great unrivalled principal act.”

   “Over men and horses, hoops and garters, Lastly through a hogshead of real fire. In this way, Mr. K. will challenge the world.”

verb

1. (transitive)to fasten with a garter
2. (intransitive)To wear a garter

   “Lady Hester loathed the coarse, deluded and lecherous Princess Caroline, who showed off to Smith by 'dancing about, exposing herself, like an opera girl', and even gartering below the knee:”