Hung up his spoon

Posted by ESC May 20, 2004In reply to Dying phrase posted by John Endicott on May 20, 2004

Can anyone help with the origin of this phrase, said when someone dies - 'He's hung up his spoon'.
Was it something to do with prisoners in hulks?

This sounds familiar. I believe this phrase has been discussed but I can't find it in the archives. Anyone remember?

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