Hell bent for leather?

[BongoMcJones]

What does this odd phrase mean and where does it come from? I know it's the title of a Judas Priest song but does it pre-date even these Jurasic Brummie rockers? Bongo McJones

[Bat2105]

I've heard of the saying 'hell for leather' which means doing something at speed ie. 'he was going hell for leather'. I've also heard of the saying 'hell bent', which means when your determined ie. 'he's hell bent on marrying her'. Are you sure your not confusing the two?

[Quizmonster]

If you click here, that will link you to a web-page which explains both phrases plus some of their historical background. I believe the phrase combining both is an American usage rather than British.