Physical effort or investigation done by walking around or traveling, especially the preliminary research or groundwork for a project. It refers to the tedious but necessary work of gathering information or evidence through personal visits and inquiries.
Compound word from 'leg' (Old English 'legg') and 'work' (Old English 'weorc'), first recorded in American English around 1891. Originally referred to literal work done using one's legs, later extended metaphorically to mean investigative work requiring physical effort and travel.
The word 'legwork' beautifully captures how investigation used to be a fundamentally physical activity - detectives and reporters literally had to pound the pavement, knock on doors, and walk miles to gather information. Before phones, internet, and databases, most research required actual leg muscles!
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