swathe1
/
sweɪð/
n.
(pl. swathes
/sweɪðz/
or swaths
/sweɪðz, swɒθs/
)
- a row or line of grass, corn, etc. as it falls when mown or reaped.
- a broad strip or area:
vast swathes of land.
Phrase
- cut a swathe through
pass through (an area) causing destruction or upheaval. - cut a wide swathe
N. Amer. attract much attention.
Etymology
OE swæth, swathu ‘track, trace’, of W. Gmc origin.
swathe2
/
sweɪð/
v.
wrap in several layers of fabric.
n.
a strip of material in which something is wrapped.
Etymology
OE swath- (n.), swathian (v.); cf. swaddle.