v. & n.
v. 1 intr. immerse oneself in water, esp. to swim or esp. US wash oneself. 2 tr. immerse in or wash or treat with liquid esp. for cleansing or medicinal purposes. 3 tr. (of sunlight etc.) envelop.
n. Brit. immersion in liquid, esp. to swim. bathing-costume (or -suit) a garment worn for swimming.
[ OE bathian f. Gmc ]