Hoary old chestnut

Posted by Vorpal Swordsman on May 09, 2005

In a recent on-line discussion on another topic, the phrase "hoary old chestnut" was used. I've long held a notion as to the origin of this phrase, but I've no idea where it REALLY originated.

Does anyone have the "real" origin?

• Hoary old chestnut Victoria S Dennis 09/May/05