Worked dough is a term used to describe dough that has been kneaded, which is a process of mixing and stretching the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Kneading is an essential step in making bread, as it helps to develop the gluten in the dough, which gives the bread its structure and texture. Kneading also helps to evenly distribute the ingredients throughout the dough, ensuring that the bread will bake evenly.