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.
{Garter fish} (Zo["o]l.), a fish of the genus {Lepidopus},
having a long, flat body, like the blade of a sword; the
scabbard fish.
{Garter king-at-arms}, the chief of the official heralds of
England, king-at-arms to the Order of the Garter; -- often
abbreviated to {Garter}.
{Garter snake} (Zo["o]l.), one of several harmless American
snakes of the genus {Eut[ae]nia}, of several species (esp.
{E. saurita} and {E. sirtalis}); one of the striped
snakes; -- so called from its conspicuous stripes of
color.
He . . . could not see to garter his hose. --Shak.
2. To invest with the Order of the Garter. --T. Warton.