'swathe' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'swæth' (also written 'swæð'), where 'swæth' meant 'track, stroke, or strip (the track left by a scythe)'.

'swæth' changed through Middle English forms such as 'swath' and 'swathe' and eventually became the modern English word 'swathe'.

Initially, it meant 'a strip or track left by cutting', but over time it broadened to include 'a wide area' and the verb sense 'to wrap or envelop'.