E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Wade (1 syl.),
to go through watery places, is the Anglo-Saxon wad (a ford), wadan (to ford or go [through a meadow]). (See WEYD-MONAT.)
1
General Wade, famous for his military highways in the Highlands, which proceed in a straight line up and down hill like a Roman road, and were made with a crown, instead of being lowest in the middle.
2
“Had you seen but these roads before they were made.
You would hold up your hands and bless General Wade.”
