the.com/garter
A strap that held up stockings, then quit its day job to become folklore.
means A band or strap, often elastic, worn around the leg to hold up a stocking or sock — and the ornamental version tossed at weddings.
from From Old French 'gartier,' built on 'garet' meaning the bend of the knee or the calf — itself likely from a Celtic root for 'leg' or 'shank' (a cousin of Welsh 'gar,' leg). So the word literally names the spot it grips. It rose to fame as the Order of the Garter, England's chivalric club whose motto scolds anyone who sniggers: 'Honi soit qui mal y pense.'
- royal order
- Britain's oldest knighthood is literally named the Garter
- motto
- Shame on whoever thinks evil of it
- wedding toss
- Groom flings it; supposedly the catcher marries next
- snake namesake
- Striped garter snakes borrowed the look
- obsolete tech
- Elastic socks made the original job vanish
garter snake — most common snake in north america, found from canada to central america, over 30 species
garter belt — lingerie accessory worn to hold up stockings, popular since the 1920s