Where did the phrase pushing the envelope originate?

Answer 1

In the Medieval times Kings paid their knights for tax collection. When they were paid, they were paid in an envelope made of calf guts dried in mustard seed powder that contained gold. If the Knight did not think he was getting paid enough he would push the envelope back towards the King, knowing that when he did this, he was taking the chance of getting beheaded or receive a higher payment. The chance being taken, hence, defined the term Pushing the Envelope. Other common punishments for this include sodomization from a rabid gorilla and the tattooing of testicles with walrus tusks. Thereby identifying the victim as an idiot.