Origin of phrase - a mares nest

Posted by Colin R Parkin on March 12, 2003

Have established what this means and it originated in the 16 Century or thereabouts. However I can't find a logical explanation for the use of the words.
Can any one give me a reference?

• mare's nest R. Berg 03/12/03
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• Origin of phrase - mare's nest Harikrishnan Menon 03/12/03
  • origin of phrase - mare's nest James Briggs 03/12/03