Where did the saying "Kick the bucket" come from?

Question

Where did the saying "Kick the bucket" come from?

Answer 1

Years ago, when the hanging of criminals was the preferred method of execution, instead of having a 'properly designed' hanging platform, they would throw a rope over a tree limb, put an upside-down bucket below it, stand the criminal on the bucket, adjust the rope (etc), and ... to actually perform the execution they simply "kick the bucket".

Quite logical actually.

The meaning has gotten extended from execution to any kind of death.

Answer 2

Probably from hanging, ie., someone's got the rope around their neck, they're standing on a bucket, and then they or someone else kicks it.