An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Wate

by Friedrich Kluge

Wate, f., ‘scoop-net, seine,’ from the equiv. MidHG. wate, f.; allied to OIc. vaðr, ‘fishing-line.’ Perhaps it is based on the root of OHG. giwëtan, MidHG. wëtan, ‘to combine, tie together.’