Having legs that curve outward so the knees don't touch even when standing with feet together.
From 'bow' (curved shape) + 'legged' (having legs). The term emerged in the 16th century to describe a physical condition where the legs naturally curve outward, resembling the shape of a bow.
Bowleggedness was historically common among cowboys and sailors because of how they sat on horses or in boats for years—their bodies literally shaped themselves to their jobs! It's a fascinating example of how our occupations can physically reshape us.
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