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plain work

Today it means: Basic, non-ornamental work; specifically (now (historical)) simple needlework. Full definition →

First used 13th c.

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The story

From plain + work.

First known use, by meaning

from 13th c. Basic, non-ornamental work; specifically (now (historical)) simple needlework.
from 15th c. Smooth stonework without decoration or ornamentation.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.