'able-bodied' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'able-bodied,' where 'able' meant 'capable' and 'bodied' referred to 'having a body.'

'able-bodied' changed from the Middle English word 'able-bodied' and has largely retained its form and meaning in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'having a capable body,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.