Path, n.; pl. Paths.
Etymology: [As. pad, G. pfad, of uncertain origin; cf. Gr. patha, path. sq. root21.]
1. A trodden way; a footway. The dewy paths of meadows we will tread. Dryden.
2. A way, course, or track, in which anything moves or has moved; route; passage; an established way; as, the path of a meteor, of a caravan, of a storm, of a pestilence. Also used figuratively, of a course of life or action. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth. Ps. xxv. 10. The paths of glory lead but to the grave. Gray.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Path, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pathed; pr.p. & vb. n. Pathing.]
To make a path in, or on (something), or for (some one). [R.] "Pathing young Henry's unadvised ways." Drayton.
Path, v. i.
To walk or go. [R.] Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for path; he lists it under way.
Where he writes about it:
A road (originally a rideway) is a prepared way for traveling with horses or vehicles, always the latter unless the contrary is expressly stated; a way suitable to be traversed only by foot-passengers or by animals is called a path, bridle-path, or track; as, the roads in that country are mere bridle-paths. — from way