Broad area (6)
I believe the answer is:
swathe
'broad area' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for swathe that I've seen before include "Swaddle - cut strip" , "Wrap; bandage" , "Strip cut by a scythe" , "Row or path cut through" , "Bandage completely - band of mown grass" .)