I. ˈswäch also -wȯch noun
( -es )
Etymology: origin unknown
1. chiefly dialect : an owner's tally or tag attached to cloth sent to a dyer
2.
a.
(1) : a sample piece or patch (as of fabric, leather, or paper)
(2) : a collection of samples especially when issued by a single manufacturer
b. : something that serves as a typical act, instance, or member : a characteristic specimen
a quick glance, at a swatch of dialogue … is usually enough to indentify one of his stories — John Woodburn
3. : patch
white swatches of hair ringing the sides and back of his head — Carson Wyatt
irregular swatches of planted land — Josephine Pinckney
his face … spotted with swatches of purple-red — Norman Mailer
4. : a small number collected or clustered together or considered as a unit
impressive swatches of canceled stamps — D.S.Boyer
many of my own swatch of alumni have passed away — Christopher Morley
II. noun
or swatchway ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷
( plural swatches or swatchways )
Etymology: perhaps alteration of swash (I)
Britain : swash 1a(2)