Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Stocking \Stock"ing\, n. [From {Stock}, which was formerly used
   of a covering for the legs and feet, combining breeches, or
   upper stocks, and stockings, or nether stocks.]
   A close-fitting covering for the foot and leg, usually knit
   or woven.

   {Blue stocking}. See {Bluestocking}.

   {Stocking frame}, a machine for knitting stockings or other
      hosiery goods.