on foot

The story

1. Old English · inherited fromon fōte“on foot”
2. Middle English · inherited fromon fote
3. English todayon foot

From Middle English on fote, from Old English on fōte (“on foot”), equivalent to on + foot.

First known use, by meaning

• from 10th c. On one's feet; walking, jogging or running but not in a vehicle or on the back of an animal.
• from 14th c. On the move; astir.
• from 16th c. In progress or in preparation; active, in operation.