In 7 wadd. [Perh. cogn. w. ON. vað-r masc., measuring line, MSw. vapi wk. masc., boundary-line between properties (cf. sense 2 below), or with OE. wadan to go, WADE v.]
1. Surveying. A straight line taken in measuring from one mark to another. ? Obs.
1610. W. Folkingham, Feudigr., II. iv. 53. These dimensions are found or performed either Cominus or Eminus.… The first … needes no amplification, but for precise keeping in the Wadd or right line. The Wadd is delineated either to a marke in sight or out of sight. If the First; let the Chaine-leaders Wadd vpon the marke by some intermediall eminence and at the setting down of euery pricke, let each man waue his mate into the right Wadd.
2. dial. ‘A line, esp. one marked out between two parcels of land’ (Eng. Dial. Dict.); also see quots.
1869. Lonsdale Gloss., Wad, a line or rank.
1886. S. W. Linc. Gloss., Wad, a mark set up as a guide to plough straight by. Hence Line, order, position.
1889. N. W. Linc. Gloss., Wad, a mark in shooting, ploughing, land measuring, &c.
b. Way or course of travel, track. lit. and fig.
1854. Miss A. E. Baker, Northampt. Gloss., Wad. 3. A way or beaten track, a line of conduct pertinaciously adhered to. ‘He goes on in the old wad,’ i. e. in the same manner as formerly.
3. Comb.: wad-staff, -stick (see quots.).
1856. J. C. Morton, Cycl. Agric., II. 726. Wadstaff, (Notts.), guide staff to plough by.
1889. N. W. Linc. Gloss., Wad-staff, wad-stick, a tall white wand painted with rims of various colours, used as a mark for ploughmen in setting out furrows.
