swathe

noun

1. A bandage; a band.
2. (British, alt-of, alternative)Alternative spelling of swath.

   “United's stature is such that one result must not bring the immediate announcement of a shift in the balance of power in Manchester - but the swathes of empty seats around Old Trafford and the wave of attacks pouring towards David de Gea's goal in the second half emphasised that City quite simply have greater firepower and talent in their squad at present.”

   “2012, The Economist, Sep 29th 2012 issue, Venezuela’s presidential election: The autocrat and the ballot box As well as the advantages of abused office, Mr Chávez can boast enduring popularity among a broad swathe of poorer Venezuelans. They like him for his charisma, humble background and demotic speech.”

   “The female leads who cut a swathe through the centuries”

   “Colleges say 'swathe of cuts' threatens adult education”

   “Thomas Brassey (1805-70) should be equally famous, yet he is unknown to swathes of the greater populace. His plaque is at Chester.”

verb

1. To bind with a swathe, band, bandage, or rollers

   “Their children are never swathed, or bound about with any thing when they are first born' but are put naked into the bed with their parents to lie.”

   “The head was swathed in linen bands that had been white, but were now stained and discoloured with damp, but of this I shall not speak more, and beneath the chin-cloth the beard had once escaped.”

   “Josie herself looked animated and almost royal with the white bandage which swathed her forehead like a crown.”