Rich pickings

Posted by Colin on September 16, 2005

Can anyone enlighten me as to the origin of the phrase "rich pickings"?

My guess is that it refers to the (mainly) women who would during the nepoleonic wars (after a battle had ended) trawl the dead bodies left on battlefields for anything of value.

• Rich pickings R. Berg 16/September/05
  • Rich pickings Bob 18/September/05
    • Rich pickings Bob 18/September/05
      • Rich pickings R. Berg 18/September/05
        • Mr Obvious strikes Lewis 23/September/05