Origin of the term "grave-digger"

Posted by ESC on July 02, 2003

In Reply to: Origin of the term "grave-digger" posted by Andrew on June 30, 2003

: Does anyone know the origin of the term "grave-digger"?

: thanks, andy.

I couldn't find anything in my references. Of course, the obvious meaning is a person who digs graves. I am guessing the slang term "grave-digger" might have the same meaning as "widow-maker," a horse or something else that kills.