Path is what they used to call track, but back then a track could be dirt or grass.
The other venerability of path bikes is they were frequently your only bike so for riding to a race you would have a brake attached and sometimes carry a second set of wheels.
It also became your time trial bike for 25 mile rides and may be fitted with fenders for those nasty roads.
Here is my 1956 contribution from england (minus the french wheels)
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