swath Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the space created by the swing of a scythe or the cut of a mowing machine
  2. noun a path or strip (as cut by one course of mowing)
    belt.

WordNet

Swath noun
Etymology
AS. swau a track, trace; akin to D. zwaad, zwad, zwade, a swath of grass, G. schwad, schwaden; perhaps, originally, a shred. Cf. Swathe, v. t.
Definitions
  1. A line of grass or grain cut and thrown together by the scythe in mowing or cradling.
  2. The whole sweep of a scythe, or the whole breadth from which grass or grain is cut by a scythe or a machine, in mowing or cradling; as, to cut a wide swath.
  3. A band or fillet; a swathe. Shak.

Webster 1913