What is the origin of the phrase Death warmed over?

[lefty]

I've seen many variations of this, like **** warmed over, and Hell warmed over.

I think all of these mean that basically you look like hell, but does anyone know how this phrase originated?

[Quizmonster]

The earliest recorded use of the phrase, in the form 'like death warmed up', was in a dictionary of military slang published in 1939. As you suggest, it just means one looks awful, possibly owing to illness. The idea, I suppose, is that the person may look pale and drawn - as if dead - but is clearly still alive, much like a 'corpse' being revived by the fire.

[lefty]

Thanks Quizmonster!
That certainly makes sense.
I'm guessing the substitution of other words for Death may be a more recent thing, as they don't really make sense like Death warmed over does.